HCS HB 2053 -- SCHOOL BUDGETING AND PLANNING PROCESS

SPONSOR:  Wallace

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elementary
and Secondary Education by a vote of 12 to 1.

This substitute changes the laws regarding the school budgeting
and planning process.  In its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Removes the requirement that a school's A+ Program
coordinator be at least a half-time position;

(2)  Specifies that in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 if the school
funding formula or transportation categorical is underfunded and
if funds are withheld by the Governor in the following fiscal
year:

(a)  The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education cannot
penalize a school district on its accreditation review for
failing to achieve resource standards; and

(b)  The requirement for school districts to dedicate 1% of their
formula funding to professional development and the 75% funding
and fund placement requirements for teacher salaries will be
suspended;

(3)  Allows school districts to use 10% of their categorical
funds flexibly in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 and to transfer
unobligated capital projects funds to the incidental fund once
each year in fiscal years 2011 through 2013 as specified in the
substitute; and

(4)  Allows a student to attend a different school district if
his or her travel time is more than one hour each way, if the
receiving district agrees, and if the travel time to the school
in the receiving district is one-half or less of the travel time
to the school in the student's residence district.  The state aid
received for the student will be awarded to the receiving
district, and the receiving district is obligated to provide
transportation only within its boundaries.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the current financial situation
makes it difficult for school districts to meet all required
standards.  Some temporary flexibility in the use of funds would
be very helpful and could save some teaching jobs.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wallace; Missouri
Association of School Administrators; Missouri Association of
Elementary School Principals; Missouri School Boards Association;
and Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say careful coordination
between the bill and what is ultimately passed in the education
appropriation bill is necessary, especially in crafting any
"trigger" provisions.  Financial difficulty is not a good reason
to give up basic principles.

Testifying on the bill were Missouri National Education
Association; Franc Flotron; and Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:12 pm