MSTA Community Meeting
Posted by willardr2 on February 23, 2007
Local Control, Bonding Capacity, Open Enrollment, Vouchers, Attendance Forgiveness, School Funding, Property Taxes, Assessed Valuation, No Child Left Behind, etc…
All of the above topics were discussed last night in a community meeting sponsored by MSTA (Missouri State Teachers Association). MSTA invited Missouri State Representative Shane Schoeller to share his position on these issues. First of all, I would like to publicly thank Mr. Schoeller for his willingness to gather input from those whom he serves. He has e-mailed me for input into educational issues which I believe has been helpful to our school district and in the end our students and staff. We have not totally agreed on every issue but I firmly believe he has listened and considered my opinions in his decisions. I will try to give a brief comment on the above issues.
Shane is very supportive of Local Control of education and shared that he believes this is the best level for decision making in public schools.
Shane has signed on to the bill that will increase bonding capacity from 15% of assessed valuation to 20%. This is positive for districts like Willard that are exhibiting growth.
Shane has submitted an alternate proposal of open enrollment that will allow districts to decide if they would like to participate. This concerns me because it opens the door for state tax revenues flowing to private schools. His proposal would only affect school funding on a minimal basis, however I am concerned that this could be the start of a dangerous snowball effect in the future. If this concept expanded it could direct more and more money away from public schools to private school organizations.
No decision has been made at the State Level concerning forgiveness of days due to the 2007 Ice Storm.
Mr. Schoeller recognizes that concern exists for the No Child Left Behind mandates. NCLB is a Federal issue and not controlled by the State Legislature.
Once again, I appreciate Shanes willingness to come and listen to our concerns. He is the first Missouri State Legislator that has made these efforts to gain my opinions in the last four years. I will never expect us to agree on every issue but I certainly appreciate his listening ear!
Have a great weekend!
GO TIGERS!
Dr. Kent E. Medlin
Superintendent of Schools
