HB 1916 -- KANSAS CITY SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

SPONSOR:  Franklin

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Education-
Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 15 to 7.

This bill changes the election procedures for the Kansas City
School Board beginning in 2004.  Currently, members representing
subdistricts are elected by the voters of the subdistrict; the
bill requires these members to be elected by the voters of the
entire district.  No changes are made to the number or terms of
the board or to the residency requirements for subdistrict
positions.  As subdistrict positions come up for re-election, the
voters of the entire district will participate in the elections
for those positions, as they currently do for at-large positions.
The bill also contains several technical changes.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will ensure
accountability while preserving representation for all areas of
the district.  It should help the Kansas City School Board view
the picture as a whole, rather than their separate subdistricts'
interests.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Franklin.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it will increase
the cost of running for office.  The district is just beginning
to achieve some of its goals, and it doesn't need further
distractions.

Testifying against the bill were Representative Curls; and Ajuma
Webster, resident of the Kansas City School District.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:03 am