Superintendents ask Parson to veto bill that would allow charter schools in Boone County
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Superintendents from Boone County schools and neighboring districts signed a letter on Friday that asks Gov. Mike Parson to veto a bill that would allow charter schools to operate in Boone County.
SB727 passed the Missouri House last month. The bill mentions that school districts in Boone County would be added to the list of districts where a charter school could be operated. The bill would also expand K-12 private school scholarships statewide that would be funded by private donors in exchange for tax credits. The bill heads to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk.
A charter school is a free, public school that operates independently of any school district, according to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. Families can choose to enroll children in charter schools and the schools receive funds per student, similar to that of a regular school district
Friday’s letter was signed by Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood, Hallsville R-4 Superintendent John Downs, Southern Boone School District Superintendent Tim Roth, Sturgeon R-4 Superintendent Dustin Fanning, Harrisburg R-8 Superintendent Steve Combs, Fayette R-3 Superintendent Brent Doolin and North Callaway R-1 Superintendent Kenya Thompson.
The letter claims the bill violates the Missouri Constitution.
“Specifically, Senate Bill No. 727 violates Article III, section 40(30) of the Missouri Constitution, which provides that ‘[t]he general assembly shall not pass any local or special law ... where a general law can be made applicable,’” the letter says. “By proposing a new classification for where charter schools are permitted to operate, Senate Bill 727 expressly and impermissibly targets Boone County without explanation, justification, or rational basis.”
“Inequitable and unconstitutional, Senate Bill 727 will not survive a legal challenge brought before the Missouri courts,” the letter says.
In an email sent to ABC 17 News with the letter, CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark wrote “we ask that he allow local communities to determine if charter schools should be expanded. Let the local taxpayer have a voice in where their dollars go.”
Superintendents previously signed a joint letter of opposition to the bill in March. CPS officials have previously stated that the bill – if signed -- could result in a more than $15 million loss for public schools in Boone County. Columbia Board of Education President Suzette Waters told ABC 17 News in March that the loss of revenue could result in job cuts or cuts to extracurricular activities.
View a copy of the letter below:
