2024 Legislative Update

The 2024 session of the Missouri Legislature promises to be a harrowing ride for public education. Multiple bills have been filed that would undermine our schools and weaken their ability to provide unity and support for our community and opportunity for our children. Here are just a few of those dangerous bills:

SB 1005 (Eigel R-2) – Abolishes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Some attacks on public education are subtle. This one is not. While the bill provides that the functions of DESE would be apportioned to other departments, its passage would severely hamper the ability of the state to coordinate local school districts, monitor the performance of the districts and hold districts accountable to taxpayers. In short, it is a major step towards dismantling public education and privatizing our schools into a fragmented assortment of segregated institutions.

HB 1764 (Hicks R-108); SB 1006 (Eigle R-2) – Provides for Charter Schools in St. Charles County

Charter schools are publicly funded entities that are operated by unelected boards. It makes no sense in a county with some of the best school districts in Missouri to tear our local school districts apart and fragment them into multiple independent schools.

We support public education because it brings our community together and creates the best opportunity for our students. Charter schools would disintegrate our schools into competing tribes with limited accountability where people segregate themselves into their corner with others who look and think just like they do.

HB 2104 (Christophanelli R-104) – Expands the amount and eligibility requirements for education tax credits

Tax credits for private education tuition is simply a back-door approach to utilize public funding of private schools. It accomplishes the same result as vouchers or other plans to defund public education. SCCFFPS has nothing against the reputable private schools in St. Charles County. We believe that it is highly counterproductive to fund private schools with public money at the expense of our public schools. In addition, the Missouri Constitution prohibits public financing of religious schools. (Article IX, Section 8)

HB 1989 (Pollitt R-52) – Establishes public school open enrollment

Open enrollment allows students to attend school in districts other than the one in which they reside. It pits one school district against another, ultimately resulting in winners and losers. It damages the sense of community that is created by local public schools. It would be particularly devastating to rural school districts as it would force many districts to consolidate to avoid collapsing. Access the text and status of all legislation at www.senate.mo.gov and www.house.mo.gov.

Released January 2024