09/28/2026
Missouri PTA is very disappointed that the State Board of Education chose not to recommend fully funding Missouri’s education formula.
Instead of voting to fund the formula fully, the board voted to underfund the formula by $300 million dollars. This vote occurred during the same meeting the board voted to adopt the A-F school grading policy. The adoption of this grading system had a proposed price tag of $6.5 million dollars. Their recommendation will go to the governor as he begins planning for the 2027-2028 budget.
This decision is unacceptable and reckless. The State Board of Education is supposed to be looking after Missouri public schools and the students it serves. Missouri law states that they are to determine the resources necessary to fund our schools. Over the past several legislative sessions, our legislators have made numerous changes to the foundation formula. The State Board is being asked to fund obligations lawmakers created through their own policies, and the board is now asking the legislature not to fund the very items they placed into law. That sends exactly the wrong message to lawmakers, educators, parents, and communities across Missouri.
Governor Kehoe and his administration speak about improving our Missouri public schools' outcomes by holding Missouri schools accountable. This accountability must also extend to our government. Our schools, teachers, and most importantly, students must be supported. By voting to underfund the foundation formula, the State Board of Education has failed our students.
Missouri PTA will continue to advocate for all students, urging our governor and legislators to step in and fully fund public education. Our students deserve better, and we will continue working at the local, state, and federal level to ensure the students of Missouri receive the best education possible.