State School funding could be a main issue in the September Legislative Special Session

(Jefferson City)–Missouri education officials are discussing how to avoid a drop in state aid to public schools as a result of possible coronavirus related attendance problems. State funding to K through 12 districts is based on a formula that includes student attendance and academic achievement. During Tuesday’s State Board of Education meeting, President Charlie Shields, a former Missouri Senate president, says he thinks the Legislature could be called back in September for a special session.

Deputy Commissioner Roger Dorson says state funding is given to schools on an annual basis. He indicates if the economy rebounds in a few months, then a potential legislative fix should take that scenario into consideration.