Issue Position: Education
Issue Position
Public education is the foundation of our democracy and our economic success. Studies show that states with more educated citizens have greater sustained economic growth. A well funded and nurturing public school education is the key to meeting Missouri's needs in the 21st century.
Every child deserves a great public education! Missouri ranks 38th in K-12 spending, 46th in teacher pay, and 45th in funding increases for higher education. Despite underfunding education, Missouri students graduate from high school at a 10% higher rate and achieve better scores in math and reading than the national average. Missouri educators are working smart with fewer resources and should be congratulated.
Missouri does not need the "fake' educational reforms proposed by out of state extremist groups like ALEC and Students First who seek vouchers and an end to teacher associations. It is time for legislators to listen to educators and help Missouri become a top ten state for educational excellence.
Margo McNeil Supports These Actions:
Full funding of the Education Foundation Formula.
Expanding early childhood education programs statewide.
Increasing 'time in school' for provisional and unaccredited school districts.
Increasing efforts to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
Incentives for teachers who seek & receive National Board Certification.
A lower student / teacher ratio.
Increasing college completion rates.
Represntative McNeil Opposes:
Using public money for private schools.
Denying teachers due process.
Devaluing teacher experience and/or educational expertise.
Education Bills Sponsored by Representative McNeil
HB 1446 -- Authorizes an income tax deduction for the last semester of tuition at a Missouri college or community college if the student has been out of school at least 4 years prior.
HB 1829 -- Establishes a grant program for unaccredited and provisionally accredited districts that commit to extended instructional time to improve academic achievement.
HB 1997 -- Changes laws regarding the attendance of a pupil from an unaccredited district.
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