MSBA Advocates for Education Funding Reforms and Opposes Vouchers in Missouri

In a pivotal meeting on August 21, 2025, the Mehlville School District Board of Education gathered to discuss significant advocacy positions for the upcoming Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA) meeting. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as board members reviewed proposals aimed at shaping the future of public education funding and teacher employment policies.

Jeff Coleman, a key figure in the discussions, highlighted the success of last year's advocacy for legislation concerning cell phone use in schools, which had recently been enacted. This year, the board aimed to build on that momentum by proposing several critical changes to MSBA's advocacy positions.

One of the primary topics was the need for a systematic review of Missouri's public school funding model. Coleman emphasized that the current foundation formula had not been revised in two decades, leading to disparities in funding. He proposed that MSBA advocate for a mandatory review every ten years to ensure the funding model remains relevant and equitable. This recommendation aligns with ongoing state government efforts to reassess educational funding.

Another pressing issue discussed was the board's stance against the use of public funds for non-public K-12 education. Coleman pointed out that recent legislation had redirected $50 million from general revenue into voucher programs, which could undermine public education. He urged the MSBA to adopt a more explicit opposition to such funding practices, reinforcing the importance of protecting public school resources.

Additionally, the board addressed the employment of retired teachers as substitutes. Coleman proposed making permanent a waiver that allows retired educators to work without affecting their retirement benefits. This change, he argued, would help alleviate the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers, a challenge that has been exacerbated in recent years.

After thorough discussion, the board unanimously approved the proposed advocacy positions, which will be forwarded to the MSBA for consideration at their delegate assembly in October. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session, where the board would address personnel matters and review previous meeting minutes.

As the Mehlville School District prepares for the upcoming MSBA meeting, the decisions made during this gathering reflect a commitment to enhancing educational equity and addressing the challenges faced by public schools in Missouri. The board's proactive approach may set the stage for significant changes in the state's educational landscape.