Jefferson City News

The Missouri General Assembly has approved the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) $9.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024. This budget includes several key allocations aimed at enhancing education in the state.

Among the highlights are full funding of the Foundation Formula and transportation funding at a maximum reimbursement rate of 75 percent. The budget also addresses teacher pay, incorporating recommendations from the State Board of Education’s Blue Ribbon Commission. These include full funding for the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant, increased funding for the Career Ladder program, additional funds for Grow Your Own programs, and scholarships to support teacher recruitment and retention.

The Office of Childhood within DESE will see additional investments, focusing on expanding Pre-K education and increasing child care subsidy rates. Moreover, there are additional funds allocated to support the newly-created School Safety Grant Program.

The budget bill now awaits Governor Parson’s signature. Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven expressed optimism about these developments: “These are significant investments, so this is an exciting day for education.” She thanked Governor Parson for his recommendations related to early childhood and education.

State Board of Education President Charlie Shields emphasized the importance of prioritizing educational funding: “Public education is one of the key pieces of our state’s infrastructure. Providing schools with the funding they need to educate Missouri students and recruit and retain the best and brightest to the teaching profession is the number one way our state can ensure we are preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”

Commissioner Vandeven also highlighted ongoing discussions about teacher compensation: “We must continue discussing sustainable ways to compensate educators more appropriately for the incredible work they do.” She anticipates further contributions from the Blue Ribbon Commission regarding climate and culture challenges affecting teacher recruitment and retention.