Why It Matters
The Missouri State Board of Education’s decision to hold school funding requests flat signals a cautious approach to state spending amid slowing revenue growth. The move leaves the gap between current appropriations and the legally mandated school funding formula largely unaddressed for the upcoming fiscal cycle.
What Happened
The Missouri State Board of Education voted Tuesday to decline a request for approximately $300 million in additional aid for public schools. Instead, board members directed the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to ask lawmakers for the same level of funding schools receive this year.
The decision followed a deadlock over the department’s proposed budget. Finance staff had previously presented a significantly reduced list of requests after discussing cuts last month, according to board member Kyle Kruse. The department slashed its general revenue request in the supplemental budget by more than half, dropping from $159 million to $73 million.
Total increases and new funding obligations for the next fiscal year fell by nearly $75 million. Specific cuts included $3 million for data reporting system maintenance and $4 million for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.
Four of the eight voting board members argued the reductions were insufficient. Board member Mike Matousek criticized the proposal, stating he did not believe it was a serious budget because it asked for money that does not exist. He noted that revenue growth is slowing and reserve funds are expected to decline, which will likely lead to broader budget reductions across state departments.
Board member Kerry Casey argued that the board has an obligation to inform the legislature of what full funding would look like under the current formula. However, the majority sided with Matousek’s position. Casey requested that a letter accompany the budget request to explain the board’s commitment to education while respecting general revenue constraints.
Board member Vince Schoemehl defended the decision, emphasizing that the move recognizes financial realities without harming districts or students. “None of this is trying to take away from districts or kids. That’s still our priority,” Schoemehl said.
By the Numbers
$300 million — The projected funding gap between current appropriations and the school funding formula by fiscal 2028.
$190 million — The amount lawmakers provided less than the formula required in the current fiscal year.
$159 million — The original general revenue requested in the department’s supplemental budget before cuts.
$73 million — The reduced general revenue request after the board approved budget slashes.
$4 million — The amount cut from funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Zoom Out
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Missouri education bills swell as lawmakers race toward session deadline. Lawmakers approved changes to the state’s school funding formula in 2024, with provisions phased in over several years. However, appropriations have consistently lagged behind the formula’s calculations.
The current shortfall of about $190 million is expected to grow by roughly $110 million in fiscal 2028 if no additional funding is secured. This trajectory mirrors challenges in other states where statutory funding mandates outpace revenue projections, forcing education boards to choose between advocating for full compliance or aligning requests with realistic budget constraints.
The decision also occurs against a backdrop of persistent staffing issues. Missouri Teacher Shortage Persists as Certification Requirements Deter Career Switchers, adding pressure on districts to manage resources efficiently despite stagnant funding levels.
What’s Next
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will now submit the flat funding request to the state legislature. Lawmakers will consider the proposal during upcoming budget sessions, with the potential for further adjustments as revenue forecasts are updated. The board’s stance sets a conservative baseline for negotiations, leaving it to legislators to determine if additional funds can be allocated from other reserves or future revenue streams.