New COVID-19 Rule for Missouri Schools Using State Bond Program
December 16, 2021 5:43AM CST
In this Aug. 5, 2020, file photo, wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID19, elementary school students use hand sanitizer before entering school for classes in Godley, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
(Missourinet) The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office has informed some K-12 school districts if they want to use the state’s low-interest bond program, they must agree to abide by a recent court ruling about COVID-19 protocols. That court decision invalidated any public health mandates issued without approval from locally elected officials. State Treasurer Fitzpatrick tells Missourinet the new layer applies to any pending agreements.
If the districts don’t agree to the terms, Fitzpatrick says they would likely pay a higher interest rate by relying on their own credit. Fitzpatrick, a Republican running for State Auditor, says his office has sent the document to five districts, three of which have already signed off on the agreement.
