JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri State Rep. Melissa Douglas, D-Kansas City, voiced strong opposition to HCS HJR 148 & 111 Thursday, legislation that would amend the Missouri Constitution to subject the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and charter schools to devastating losses in revenue and resources for students.
“KCPS has had a stable operating levy for 25 years, providing essential funding for classrooms, teachers and capital projects,” Douglas said. “This amendment removes protections that have kept our schools financially stable. Removing this protection will result in a 48 percent – approximately $139 million – reduction in revenues, meaning the district would no longer be able to exist.”
The legislation also poses unpredictable financial risks for school districts statewide. Fiscal analyses indicate potential losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars for many districts, including Fulton 58, Oak Grove R-VI, Warsaw R-IX, and Smithville R-II. Debt service levies for voter-approved bonds could also be impacted, increasing borrowing costs and threatening long-term projects.
Fast-growing districts like Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Rockwood and Fort Zumwalt could be penalized for growth and new construction, undermining their ability to plan for rising student populations. The fiscal note for the legislation states that revenue impacts are “unknown, could be substantial,” and a special election could cost Missouri taxpayers more than $9 million.
“This legislation is unnecessary, risky and harmful,” Douglas said. “It jeopardizes local control, voter-approved funding and the quality of education in KCPS and communities across the state.”
Rep. Douglas urged lawmakers to vote against HCS HJR 148 & 111 to protect students, teachers, and local communities.