Capitol Report: Improving education in Missouri

As Missourians, we have a responsibility to ensure that the children in our state receive an education that prepares them to live a productive life and contribute to our communities. All too often, our commitment to education is judged on how much money they are receiving and not on what type of results they are producing. It is time for this to change. It is time to judge our education system on the quality of education that is being provided and not on how much money is being spent.

Currently, the two largest districts in our state are failing to educate the students in those schools. The Kansas City and St. Louis school districts have some of the highest per pupil allocations in the state, yet they remain unaccredited and are leaving children behind. At the same time, our rural schools with smaller class sizes and more parental involvement are producing some of the best-educated graduates in the state.

We need a system that supports the schools that are working hard for our children and are getting positive results. These schools need to know that their hard work is supported and appreciated by their state government. Now more than ever, we need a workforce that can compete in the global economy.

In order to be successful in this global economy, we must be committed to educating students in the areas of math, science, engineering, technology, and computer information systems. Agriculture, manufacturing, and the countless additional industries that support our communities are changing rapidly. As we develop new technologies and methods of doing business, our students must be given an education that will prepare them to compete and succeed in an increasingly educated global workforce.

As a lifelong Missourian, educated in our public schools, I will continue to be a loud voice and advocate for our schools here in northwest Missouri. Everyday that I am in the legislature, I want to ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed. Through hard work, determination, and dedication, we will be successful in providing Missouri’s students the tools they need to succeed.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is [email protected] and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.