In the latest Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) board report, key discussions centered around the recently concluded legislative session, which saw a historic number of bills filed but resulted in a notably low number of passed legislation, particularly in education. MSBA's director of outreach, Caitlin Whaley, highlighted that only 49 bills were passed, a stark contrast to the thousands introduced, with Senate Bill 727 emerging as the primary focus for education stakeholders.

Whaley emphasized that the implications of Senate Bill 727 will require school board members to navigate new budgetary challenges in the upcoming year. The bill includes various mandates, such as teacher salary increases, which must be funded without compromising essential programs like the foundation formula and transportation. This situation underscores the need for an overall increase in funding to prevent significant local tax hikes on school districts.

Despite the session's conclusion, Whaley urged board members and administrators to maintain communication with legislators, praising the robust outreach efforts from school board members during the session. She noted that local advocacy was well-received, with feedback from the governor's office acknowledging the impact of these efforts.

Looking ahead, the MSBA will hold a delegate assembly in October to determine its positions on state and federal education issues. School boards are encouraged to submit position statements for consideration. Additionally, preparations are underway for the 2024 MSBA Annual Conference, which will feature prominent speakers and sessions led by school leaders across the state. Nominations for the 2024 Paul Morris Community Service Award are also open until June 28, recognizing individuals committed to local community service.

The MSBA continues to foster a collaborative environment for school boards, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and community engagement in shaping the future of education in Missouri.