District Update: State Budget, School Funding & Legislative Changes
A Message from Dr. Mayfield
As we move through a critical point in Missouri’s legislative session, I want to strongly encourage our educators, staff, parents, and community members to make your voices heard.
The decisions being made right now in Jefferson City will have a direct and lasting impact on our schools — from how we fund classrooms and transportation to how we support student learning and literacy.
Now is the time to act.
Please consider reaching out to your State Senators through a phone call or email to:
Share the importance of fully funding public education
Advocate for protecting local school funding
Express concerns about proposals that could limit resources for our students
Personal messages from community members truly make a difference. Our students, staff, and future depend on strong support for public education.
State Budget Moves Forward
The Missouri House has approved its version of the state budget, which now heads to the Senate for further consideration. While the plan largely follows the Governor’s recommendations, it comes during a time when the state is facing a projected $2 billion budget shortfall over the next two years.
Key highlights for schools include:
Foundation Formula: Not fully funded (approximately $190 million below the requested amount)
Transportation Funding: Reduced, leaving districts to cover more of rising costs
Teacher Support Programs: Funding remains steady
Small School Grant: Fully funded at $30 million
The budget passed by a narrow margin, signaling that further changes are likely before it is finalized.
Property Tax Proposals Under Consideration
The Missouri Senate is now taking up several property tax proposals that could have a significant impact on local school funding.
Proposals being discussed may:
Limit how much property tax revenue can grow each year
Reduce the minimum tax levy for school districts
Require additional voter approval for certain school funding decisions
Change how personal property (like vehicles) is assessed
Because local property taxes are a primary source of funding for schools, these changes could reduce available resources for classrooms, staffing, and student programs over time.
Focus on Early Literacy & Student Promotion
Lawmakers are also considering new legislation aimed at improving early reading outcomes.
The proposal includes:
Required reading assessments for students in grades 1–3
Additional parent notification requirements
Possible retention of students not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade (with some exceptions)
Financial incentives tied to reading improvement
While supporting literacy is a priority, questions remain about implementation, costs, and ensuring students receive the interventions they need to succeed.
Why This Matters for Our District
These issues are all interconnected:
The state is facing financial constraints
School funding is not at full levels
Proposed policies could increase costs while limiting local revenue
For rural districts like ours, these decisions are especially important, as we rely heavily on state funding and local tax support to provide quality educational opportunities for our students.
What’s Next?
The Missouri Senate will:
Continue reviewing and modifying the state budget
Debate property tax legislation
Consider education-related proposals
The final state budget must be approved by May 8.