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District staff outline federal and state education developments, warn of potential funding and policy impacts
Summary
A district administrator updated the Webster Groves School Board on a recent federal executive order regarding DEI, state budget moves that would withhold $300 million from the foundation formula and add $50 million for school vouchers, and several pending bills affecting open enrollment and property assessment.
A district administrator briefed the Webster Groves School Board on federal and state policy developments that could affect district operations and funding.
The administrator said the federal executive order targets some diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work and that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has directed districts to continue current practices while DESE completes an assurance process. At the state level, the administrator said the Missouri House approved a budget that leaves the foundation formula $300 million short of full funding and would redirect $50 million from general revenue to a proposed school voucher program.
The update also flagged several bills moving through the legislature. The administrator named House Bill 711 (open enrollment), House Bill 629 (which would change the assessed valuation ratio used for personal property), and Senate Bill 68 (initially a school safety bill that has picked up additional provisions). The administrator described provisions added to SB 68 that would limit certain professional development topics, expand eligibility for children to attend districts where a parent or contractor works, and other changes that raise operational and equity concerns for schools.
Why it matters: the administrator said the aggregate effect of the budget and the bills under consideration could reduce public funding available for Webster Groves schools and change how DESE and districts administer enrollment and related programs.
Details and district guidance: the administrator invited board members and staff to a meeting with Dr. Hockman in the district office the next morning to discuss legislation and next steps; board members and administrators were encouraged to stay engaged with legislators. The administrator said DESE has provided legal counsel guidance to superintendents and that Webster Groves will “continue with everything that we’ve been doing” while monitoring further guidance. The update noted the House budget and voucher funding remain subject to change in the Senate.
No formal board action was taken on these policy items during the meeting.
