Dempsey addresses education measures

In his latest report, Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Peters, talks about education legislation that was passed by the legislature during the 2012 session.

Ensuring a quality education for kids in Missouri is one of my top priorities. This year, my colleagues and I sent several education-related measures to the governor for his approval. Two of those bills were addressed this week, albeit with very different results. 

Senate Bill 576, signed by the governor on June 27, brings greater accountability to charter schools in our state. Charter schools are public schools that receive state funding, but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations and statutes that apply to other public schools. However, these educational institutions are held accountable for producing certain, specified results that are defined in each school’s charter. The measure signed into law this week modifies the charter school law, allowing these particular educational institutions to operate in unaccredited districts throughout the state, in addition to the Kansas City and St. Louis City public school districts where they have already been established.

One of the important elements for all of Missouri’s public schools is accountability. The legislation passed this week helps ensure that charter schools have more oversight by directing the state education department to develop an application and approval process for potential sponsors. It also allows them to have greater access to the financial records of charter schools and to report back to the governor and the legislature if it appears such schools are in financial trouble.

After the St. Louis Public School District lost its accreditation in 2007, education and government entities alike have been searching for ways to provide Missouri’s students with a world-class education that will lead them down a bright path for the future. Passage of SB 576 helps provide these kinds of alternatives. 

Our kids will be graduating into a competitive, global environment. For the sake of their future and for the future of our country, it is vital that all of Missouri’s public schools, including charter schools, properly prepare students and give them the tools they will need to succeed.

Another bill passed by the Legislature this session attempted to lessen the undue hardship for certain students who are required to endure long bus rides each day on their commute to and from public schools. House Bill 1789 would have required a transfer to a closer district if the parent or guardian of a child residing in certain communities applied for reassignment, if certain conditions were met. This bill was vetoed by the governor.

Providing an excellent education for Missouri’s students is one of the legislature’s most important responsibilities. We will continue to promote reforms that make this promise a reality for all children in the Show-Me State.