Education Funding

With Missouri students back in class, work is underway to develop specialized training for armed school rangers. The optional program would allow districts to use paid or volunteer rangers trained specifically for active-shooter response, building security, and other school emergencies.

Cape Girardeau County residents cast their ballots on a wide range of issues during the Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, General Municipal Election.

Missouri has approved three new recovery high schools aimed at helping teens with substance use disorders stay in school while getting the support they need to heal. The programs will combine a full high school curriculum with counseling and recovery services.

Apart from a drafting error, the summary written by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins was deemed ‘sufficient’ by a Cole County judge.

As federal cuts force schools to scale back electives – and Missouri faces an $84 million gap in delayed federal funding – an advocate for after-school learning says STEM programs are emerging as a way to keep students learning and future-ready.

Missouri’s State Board of Education will shutter 12 schools for the severely disabled by next school year, part of a plan to revamp the program and expand support for students with extensive needs.

Illinois schools have already been grappling with a teacher shortage, budget deficits, and growing student needs. Experts say there was an anticipated budget shortfall of $280 million due to frozen federal K-12 funds, but administration officials say those funds are now unfrozen.

Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger hopes to establish supports for low-performing school districts.

The Missouri National Education Association hopes to stop the use of the state’s general revenue to fund private school scholarships.

With a third of Missourians living in rural areas, state leaders are joining a national push against federal proposals seen as harmful to rural communities. Over 50 groups recently gathered in Iowa for the Rural Policy Action Summit.