By Emily LeRoy, senior policy advisor at Missouri Farm Bureau. JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Constitution declares that knowledge and intelligence are essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of people, and to that end, guarantees access to free public schools for all people under the age of 21 in our state. Maintaining access to quality schools for more than 879,000 students in 554 districts across the state is essential – and expensive. But as Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Missouri’s current school funding formula has been in place for nearly 20 years. Governor Mike Kehoe has assembled the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force to review the existing funding formula and make recommendations that provide students with an optimal education and help prepare the future workforce and leaders of our state. Comprised of 16 individuals primarily appointed by the Governor, the task force includes representatives from both rural and urban areas along with leaders with experience in education administration, academia, and industry. Governor Kehoe has charged the commission with reviewing and recommending changes to school funding and issuing a final report by December 1, 2026. The core principles that will guide the group include promotion of equal access for students, local flexibility, performance accountability, and long-term funding sustainability. Public schools are supported by federal, state and local tax revenue; and it’s complicated. Many adaptations have been made over time to accommodate the unique needs of students and the economic realities of diverse communities. While the group will make recommendations about how to allocate taxpayer dollars to educate students, the power to make changes to the funding formula resides with the General Assembly. The goal of the task force is to make informed recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly for consideration when modifying the law. Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) has been heavily involved with state education funding decisions in the past and will serve as a member of the task force now. Access to quality education, in every corner of the state, is foundational for thriving families and communities. Our schools provide knowledge and training that develops the workforce of tomorrow. Of equal importance, schools are often the fabric holding local communities together, creating a sense of community pride and belonging. How Missouri chooses to allocate financial resources will set our path for the future. If we are going to be a state that attracts and retains families, economic development, and opportunity, we must invest in our schools. However, individuals and businesses already invest heavily in schools through local and state taxes, and financial resources are limited while needs and additional spending opportunities are seemingly endless. Tough decisions must be made, but this is not a new dilemma. MOFB will remain engaged and especially attentive to how any changes will affect rural schools and communities. The task force meetings are open to the public, and you can find updates and meeting materials at dese.mo.gov. | 