Gov. Nixon Discusses "Good Schools, Good Jobs" During Visit to Macon High School

Press Release

Missouri was the number-one state in technology job growth in the nation last year, and good schools are vital to building on this momentum, Gov. Jay Nixon said today during a visit to Macon R-1 High School. Gov. Nixon discussed his "Good Schools, Good Jobs" plan which will fully fund the state's K-12 foundation formula by Fiscal Year 2016, and provide the resources to help the Macon School District hire additional math and business teachers and increase access to technology in the classroom.

"Making sure every Missouri student can attend a good school like the ones here in Macon will help make sure every graduate can get a good job later in life," Gov. Nixon said. "Last year, Missouri had the fastest technology job growth in the nation. These types of next-generation jobs demand that our schools have the resources they need to prepare students for success. That's why my "Good Schools, Good Jobs' plan makes a real investment in our students, our schools and our future."

Gov. Nixon's Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal includes an increase of $278 million for K-12 classrooms, putting the state on a path to fully funding the foundation formula in two years. The K-12 foundation formula, passed into law in 2005, establishes the state's funding level for K-12 schools.

"As our economy continues to pick up steam, the best way to build on this momentum is to invest in our students and schools. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. Even though Missouri already has the sixth-lowest taxes in the nation, some folks want to cut taxes in a way that would make it impossible to provide schools like this one with the resources they need," Gov. Nixon said. "That's the wrong approach, so I will continue to work each and every day to make sure we're getting dollars into the classroom and keeping our promise of a quality education to every Missouri child."

Gov. Nixon's Fiscal Year 2015 "Good Schools, Good Jobs" budget proposal would also increase funding for Macon schools by more than $488,000. The district would use the increased funding to hire a math teacher at the middle and high schools, hire a business teacher at the Macon Career Center, improve bandwidth throughout the district and increase access to technology in the classroom, along with other critical investments.

"Here in Macon, we are committed to helping each student develop the skills they need to become independent thinkers and problem solvers, so they can succeed in today's global economy" said Chuck Stockton, Macon R-1 Superintendent. "Gov. Nixon's "Good Schools, Good Jobs' plan will help our district achieve these goals by making sure we're able to increase course offerings in critical subjects like math and business, and provide more hands-on learning experiences with technology so students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow."

Missouri was the fastest-growing state for technology employment in 2013, according to new analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics by Dice.com. Missouri gained 2,700 tech positions in 2013, an increase of 8.4 percent, in the category of Professional and Business Services, Computer Systems design and Related Services.

Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Math and reading scores have increased on his watch and Missouri's high school graduation rate is now the eighth highest in the nation. Over the past five years, Missouri has also led the nation in minimizing tuition increases at its public universities.

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