The State of Missouri has put together a task force that is looking at school funding. One proposal involves getting rid of the Hold Harmless Clause, which states that school funding cannot drop below 2006 levels. While it cannot go below those levels, it cannot go above those levels once a Missouri school is deemed to be "hold harmless." However, it has been a lifeline for many small schools, including Worth County. Superintendent Chris Healy estimated that if it goes away and it is not replaced with anything, Worth County could lose $400,000 a year in state funding. "That would pay for 6-8 teachers," said Healy. "We're in good shape right now, but we would have to make changes in a year or two if this were to happen."
Mr. Healy said that there would be other factors which would determine school funding. Currently, the State Adequacy Target is set at around $7,000 per student. If it is raised, then that could offset some of the funding. Worth County is in a better position than a lot of schools, since their tax rate is the lowest in the area. It would take a levy increase of $1.25 per $100 assessed valuation to offset a $400,000 shortfall in state funding, based on local assessed valuation staying at around $34 million. However, since Worth County's levy is currently so low, passage would require a simple majority. Many schools would have to get a two thirds majority, since their tax rates are much higher.
Other factors include the ongoing push for open enrollment along with more money to the MO Scholars program, which is the state's voucher program for private schools. The state is spending $50 million to the Mo Scholars program, of which 90% is going to St. Louis.
Missouri has increased funding in recent years to bring up state minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 a year. However, Missouri is still ranked 50th out of 50 states in school funding. Any increase in the school levy would mean a greater local tax burden; Missouri already has one of the highest local funding levels for schools in the country.
Any recommendations would be passed in the Missouri legislature and subject to change and revision. The earliest the changes could take place would be the 2026-27 school year. The contact number for Rep. Mazzie Christensen's office is (573) 751-4285. The contact number for State Senator Rusty Black is (573) 751-1415.
"There will be school districts that are better off after the formula re-write and school districts that will receive less funding," said Mr. Healy. "Public school advocates just need to make sure that the state is doing its part in funding public education and providing for our students."
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