Missouri – On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Missouri Legislature passed Senate Bill 727. It was passed with an 82-69 vote, with 82 being the minimum number of House votes required to pass a bill. This bill is heading to Governor Mike Parson for the final decision of approval or rejection. This will be the 2nd bill that passed through both the House and the Senate in this session.
Senate Bill 727 was created to try and change Missouri’s education system through several key measures. The key points of this bill are as follows:
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- Expand access to private schooling by increasing the income level to qualify for MOScholars education scholarships.
- Allow Boone County to open charter schools.
- It will increase the minimum teacher salary statute from $25,000 to $40,000 annually, with a $1,000 addition each year until the minimum is $48,000 in the 2027-28 school year.
- It will boost the minimum pay for a teacher from $33,000 to $46,000 annually for any teacher with at least ten years of experience and a master’s degree.
- It would restrict four-day school weeks, and make a small incentive to districts who hold classes five days a week.
- Boosts the number of teacher recruitment and retention scholarships.
- Changes in how state aid to schools is calculated by including enrollment and attendance into the formula used to fund education.
This bill is estimated to have a price tag of over $400 million.
To read the full Senate Bill 727 click here.
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