Joplin area legislators, except Kelley, back HB 1526

Joplin area legislators, with one exception, marched in lockstep with GOP leadership Thursday, voting for HB 1526, which eliminates seniority as a factor in teacher layoffs.

While the concept of keeping the best teachers based on evaluations sounds like a winning one, putting it into effect would most likely prove to be a nightmare for Missouri schools. Passing this bill, which now moves on to the Senate, will undoubtedly push the door wide open for teacher evaluation through students scores on heavily flawed standardized tests.

Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, cast the only dissenting vote among the area contingent, while representatives Bill White, R-Joplin, Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, Bill Reiboldt, R-Neosho; and Bill Lant, R-Joplin, voted for the bill.