News Summary
Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the formation of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, which will assess and recommend changes to the state’s K-12 education funding model. This 16-member task force, led by seasoned educators, aims to create a more equitable funding system that reflects educational outcomes. The force’s inaugural meeting is set for June, with a final report due by December 2026. This initiative seeks to address longstanding funding disparities, particularly affecting charter schools, and aims to enhance fairness in resource allocation for Missouri’s educational institutions.
Jefferson City, Missouri
Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the establishment of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, aimed at evaluating and recommending changes to the state’s K-12 education funding model. The task force will consist of 16 members and is expected to deliver its final report to the governor by December 1, 2026.
Task Force Composition
Senator Rusty Black from Chillicothe will chair the task force, joined by Representative Ed Lewis of Moberly. Both leaders bring valuable experience as former educators, reflecting a strong commitment to understanding the complexities of school funding. Other confirmed members include:
- Noah Devine, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public School Association from Kansas City
- Michael “Jeremy” Tucker, Superintendent of the Liberty School District
- Chris Vas, Senior Director of the Herzog Foundation from Kansas City
- Casey Wasser, Deputy Executive Director and COO of the Missouri Soybean Association from California
- David Wood, a retired teacher from the Morgan County R-2 School District in Versailles
Objectives and Timeline
The newly formed task force will review the existing funding model and work towards creating a more equitable system that rewards educational outcomes. Governor Kehoe has emphasized the significance of a modernized funding model that addresses fairness and promotes success across the state’s schools. The first meeting of the task force is scheduled for June 2.
Background on School Funding in Missouri
The formation of this task force marks an important step in addressing the longstanding issues surrounding public school funding in Missouri. The state’s current funding formula has not seen significant changes since its last major revision in 2005. Previous disparities, particularly concerning charter schools, have been noted, with many arguing that these institutions have historically received less funding than their traditional counterparts.
However, recent legislative efforts have aimed to improve equity in funding, indicating a shift towards addressing these inequalities. The task force’s work will build on these efforts, entering a crucial dialogue on how Missouri can better allocate resources to its educational institutions.
Overall, the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force’s commitment to reassessing and improving the state’s funding model is a significant development for educators, students, and communities across Missouri, signaling a potential transformation in how education is financed and delivered in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- KFVS 12: MO School Funding Modernization Task Force
- Wikipedia: Education in Missouri
- News Leader: Task Force for Public School Funding
- Google Search: Missouri school funding
- ABC 17 News: School Funding Task Force
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Missouri Independent: School Scholarship Program
