school funding

School leaders in the Kansas City area are grappling with how to balance their budgets and continue serving students as they face declining enrollment, state funding shortfalls and property tax caps.

For the first time since 2017, the Missouri legislature's annual appropriation for public education will stay the same as the previous year, instead of increasing. The budget could hurt schools' ability to improve teacher recruitment and retention.

Included in the budget is $4.2 billion for the K-12 public school foundation formula, more than $376 million in school transportation dollars and $60 million for the state's private school voucher program.

A directory of MOScholars students, funding amounts and schools were made publicly accessible by the Missouri Treasurer's office for nearly a year. Democrats want enrollments paused and lawmakers to investigate, while Republicans say the state should fix the breach without disrupting the program.

The judge ruled Missouri lawmakers could directly appropriate funds to the MOScholars program because state law does not “expressly prohibit” it. The Missouri National Education Association plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election.

Organizers are raising concerns that Missouri lawmakers' plan to eliminate the state's income tax will raise costs for lower-income residents and lessen state funding for schools, roads and senior services.

In his 2026 State of the State address, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he wants a statewide vote in November on his plan to phase out the state income tax and allow for taxes on things like monthly subscriptions and digital services. Democrats have questioned whether that's possible without wrecking future budgets.

The King Empowerment Center will include a new elementary school, an early childhood center and community services like a food pantry, clothing closet and mini laundromat when it opens in 2027.

Missouri Speaker of the House Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, who was in St. Louis at an event for DraftKings, said much of the tax revenue from legal sports betting in the state is expected to go to public schools. But it's unclear how much money they'll actually get.

Less than 2% of MOScholars students are funded through donations this school year. The rest depends on general revenue from the state budget. But Missouri does not re-check eligibility for students, which is routine for other state-funded programs.