Task force holds first meeting on school funding modernization process
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
An 18-month process begins on Monday for the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The 16-member task force, established by Executive Order 25-14, is looking to modernize the state’s K-12 foundation formula and recommend updates to the state’s foundational funding structure.
Missouri's school funding formula was last updated in 2005, following its earlier versions established in the mid-1970s and revised in the early 1990s.
The current formula is designed to reflect what is considered necessary or adequate to provide a quality education. To determine that amount, the state analyzed spending levels in high-performing districts that met state academic expectations.
Gov. Mike Kehoe kicked off the task force's inaugural meeting with a few words of appreciation. Kehoe asked them to develop a new formula that would be sustainable long-term and consider funding for non-traditional public schools.
"The current model is just not sustainable," Kehoe said. "You can have the best intentions, but if you don't produce results, that's what the world's all about. I think the kids going through our school systems need to know that."
The task force includes educators, economists, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives. Over the next 18 months, they are expected to review data, explore best practices from other states, and conduct stakeholder engagement before submitting recommendations.
Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said during Monday's meeting that she feels confident that everyone that's part of the task force has the same end goal.
"I don't care if it's a charter. I don't care if it's public, I don't care if it's ABC School of Wonderful. I don't care, I just want great schools for all children," said Eslinger.
A final report is due to the governor by December 1, 2026. The task force will hold its next meeting on June 23.
