Top Issues
- Critical Race Theory and Consultants Lee's Summit R-7 School District agrees to $510,000 contract with Panorama; pays $97,000 to provide teachers and district staff with "racial equity training"
- Gender Ideology Members of Rockwood School District's "challenge committee" support children reading sexually graphic books; district introduces plan to train teachers to use students' "preferred name and pronouns"
- Surveys and Privacy Students given highly invasive survey on "adverse childhood experiences" in summer school classes
State Board of Education
Who's on your state board of education?
The Board consists of eight governor-appointed members, including one non-voting teacher, all of whom are confirmed by the Missouri state senate.
When's the next election/appointment?
All eight members are appointed by the governor.
When's the next curriculum update?
In Missouri, local districts and schools make their own decisions about curriculum, instructional strategies, materials, and textbooks. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education sets the Missouri Learning Standards, which ensure students learn basic skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking.
The Missouri
Department of Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the administrative arm of the Missouri State Board of Education that works with school officials, legislators, government agencies, community leaders, and citizens to maintain a strong public education system. Through its statewide school-improvement initiatives and its regulatory functions, the department strives to ensure all citizens have access to high-quality public education. In addition to the commissioner of education, the department organization reflects functions under two divisions; Financial and Administrative Services and Learning Services. (from Wikipedia)
How did your district perform during the 2021-2022 school year?
Check your district’s report card.
The Missouri
Legislature
Find your state legislator here.
Similar to Congress, the Missouri General Assembly is divided into the House of Representatives and Senate. Your Senate Education Committee Members can be found here, and your House Education Committee Members can be found here.
These committees conduct hearings, review, and amend bills proposed by a member of their legislative chamber. They also review bills after they have been passed by the other chamber of legislature. Remember, both chambers must pass a bill before it goes to the governor’s desk for a signature or a veto.
School Boards
Ballotpedia tracks school board races in the largest 400 cities across the country, including several in Missouri. Use this link to read more about Missouri’s 2022 school board elections.