Legislative Platform 2009-10
January 25, 2010
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM 2009-10
MISSOURI K-8 ASSOCIATION
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports full and equitable increases in appropriations of the public schools, which are sufficient to fully fund the new foundation formula, categorical programs, transportation, testing programs and mandated programs.
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports legislation that would stop tuition rates from going above the state adequacy target set by the legislature of average per pupil costs.
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports legislation that would fully fund increases in the minimum teacher’s salary in Missouri to move those salaries nearer the national average.
- The Missouri K-8 Association strongly opposes further creation of charter schools, tuition tax credits, vouchers in Missouri and the diversion of public funds from public schools for their support.
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports state assistance for struggling school districts with unaccredited/provisional status.
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports more state funding in the area of technology, school facilities, early childhood programs, and safe schools grants.
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports legislation on the “meet and confer” process for teachers. (This would allow organizations and teachers alike to make proposals to the board of education for acceptance or rejection plus prohibit striking by any school employee.)
- The Missouri K-8 Association supports legislation efforts to increase the bonding capacity to 20% to keep up with the growth and building costs under current limitation of 15%.
- The Missouri K-8 Association strongly opposes any legislation that would directly lead to or be an incentive for the forced consolidation of any school districts.
10. The Missouri K-8 Association supports legislation to clarify the Missouri Human Rights Act in the area of punitive damages so school employees may be protected when performing their jobs.
11. The Missouri K-8 Association opposes legislation that mandates that the school district educate students who have been long term suspended or expelled.
12. The Missouri K-8 Association supports the 550 hour work rule for retiring educators in the education field (such as substituting, consulting, etc. in the school). The Missouri K-8 Association opposes legislation limiting work of educators in the private sector to the 55 hour limit or modification to the retirement benefits until their expiration dates come forth.
