Education funding

Schools in Missouri received millions of dollars in federal pandemic aid to keep students safe and bolster learning. But with the deadline approaching to spend the money, districts now have to decide which new programs and staff they can pay for themselves.

Dean Johnson, who also co-founded Crossroad Charter Schools in Kansas City, said that Quality Schools Coalition was forced to shutter after four years when a top donor declined to renew their funding.

Arts programs are among the first to be trimmed by Missouri school districts, especially after the COVID pandemic. But arts educators are trying to turn the tide in arts education disinvestment.

States had until the end of September to distribute federal rescue funds to school districts to help students struggling with housing get equal access to education. Barring extensions, most states will leave money on the table — including several in the Midwest.

The vote clears the way for school officials to borrow money to replace three schools and add classrooms to a fourth. It was the district's second attempt to pass a bond this year.

The Independence School District transitioned to a four-day week with the hope to attract and retain more teachers. Applications skyrocketed after it made the switch, but a new Missouri law may do away with the shortened schedule.

The campaign behind Missouri Amendment 2, the November ballot measure to legalize sports gambling, claim the resulting revenues will help fund education in the state. But critics say the wording is misleading — and schools won't see any extra benefits.

More than 4,800 students are considered homeless in Nebraska, and school districts can do only so much to help. Many rely on partnerships with local organizations to support student needs outside of school.

In April 2025, Kansas City voters will weigh in on a proposed $474 million bond issue to improve local schools. Kansas City Public Schools hasn't passed a bond in nearly 60 years. How does the district plan to "level the playing field" for its students?

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick's office said the Independence School District audit was not prompted by citizen complaints, but selected because of its four-day school week and because it’s one of the state’s larger school districts.

Three interns in the Missouri Legislature recently helped Missouri school districts gain access to federal funding to help students experiencing homelessness. Why were schools missing out on funding, and how did the interns find it?

The budget approved by Missouri lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is $1 billion less than the current year’s appropriation. It might not cover all the costs of a wide-ranging new education law signed by Gov. Mike Parson.