Legislative Effort Underway to Send More Money to MO Charter Schools

An effort in the Missouri Legislature could change the way school funding is figured for the state’s K-12 public schools. Excelsior Springs Representative Doug Richey says the formula used to fund public education contains outdated local assessed values – ultimately giving fewer dollars to charter schools. Richey’s plan could move millions of dollars from traditional public schools to charter schools.

“In order for us to truly live up to the promise that we believe that our students should receive the opportunity for the best possible quality education in a free public context, we need to live up to that promise when it comes to the financing of that,” says Richey.

During a public hearing Tuesday, several opponents of the bill testified that traditional public schools require more funding because of obligations like requiring transportation and enrolling most higher need students. Under state law, charter schools are only allowed in Kansas City, St. Louis, and any unaccredited school district.