MSBA briefing: district-level officials warned state funding adequacy target is declining

Linda Quinley, MSBA's senior director of school finance, told board members in an MSBA board report that districts face shrinking state targets and uncertain federal allocations. Quinley said the state adequacy target (SAT) the legislature earlier projected at about $7,145 per pupil is now estimated nearer $6,964 for the current year, with projections that it may decline again to roughly $6,742 next year, effectively reducing state revenue available to districts.

"One of the most important things we can be doing right now is thinking long term financially," Quinley said, urging boards to model budgets three to five years ahead and to consider the combined impact of declining state targets, late or stagnant federal allocations and uncertain levy and election outcomes.

MSBA's director of board development, Lisa Neer, also outlined required training for newly elected board members: Missouri law requires 18.5 hours of training within the first 12 months of service, and MSBA offers a phased training program combining online modules and live sessions that fulfills that requirement.

The MSBA report urged boards to monitor state legislative changes and local levy outcomes closely and pointed members to MSBA resources, webinars and the MSBA Summer Summit and delegate assembly for additional guidance.