Board debates hiring district lobbyist as members weigh MSBA role and cost
Loading...
Summary
Board members discussed whether to contract a lobbyist to advocate for Riverview Gardens in Jefferson City amid concerns about open enrollment, vouchers and charter expansion; some members urged strengthening relationships with elected officials and MSBA before spending district funds.
Board members held an extended discussion about whether to hire a legislative lobbyist to represent Riverview Gardens’ interests in Jefferson City.
Dr. Coleman framed the conversation by saying recent bills — including proposals related to open enrollment and vouchers — could negatively affect districts like Riverview Gardens and that the district needs a dedicated advocate who understands its demographics and needs. Superintendent Tanya Patton and other board members described specific concerns about proposed open-enrollment language (described to the board as evolving through House and Senate drafts) and about transportation funding shifting to receiving districts. Patton said the district lost substantial funding when it lost accreditation and argued a dedicated lobbyist would help ensure those impacts are considered.
Several board members said the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) already advocates statewide and suggested first steps: ensure MSBA is accountable to district priorities and actively engage local legislators through a standing legislative or advocacy committee. Board members also raised cost and budget concerns; one member said the district is under financial strain and questioned adding a new recurring contract when staffing reductions were underway. Other members replied that a lobbyist’s fee could be a modest investment compared with the millions the district might lose under proposed legislation.
The board did not authorize hiring a lobbyist at the meeting; members agreed to continue the conversation, explore non-contract advocacy (regular meetings with elected officials), and to compare costs and impact of MSBA, regional superintendents’ associations and an individual contract lobbyist.
