The Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force met on Mar. 31 to continue discussions about updating the state’s K-12 school funding model under Executive Order 25-14.
The review and potential update of the funding formula is significant as it could impact how resources are distributed among Missouri’s public schools, aiming to better support students and address equity concerns.
The Task Force, chaired by Senator Rusty Black, consists of 16 members representing various regions of Missouri. Its focus includes equal opportunity, local control, and long-term sustainability for public education options. The group completed its working phase in December 2025 after holding a series of virtual meetings with about 50 stakeholders.
“The Task Force is building a funding approach that is both student-centered and sustainable,” said Dr. Kari Monsees, former Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Division of Financial and Administrative Services. “By aligning resources with outcomes and maintaining flexibility for local districts, this work helps schools meet the diverse needs of Missouri students.”
Members reviewed recommendations from the Performance Incentives Working Group that propose linking some funding to student outcomes such as early literacy, middle school math and English Language Arts achievement, as well as college and career readiness. The group also discussed possible changes to key elements like the state’s adequacy target and calculations for local effort contributions.
Other groups within the Task Force addressed issues including fairness in resource distribution (Funding Targets Group), aligning funds with student needs (Student Counts Group), and how local contributions affect equity across districts (Local Effort Group). The next meeting will be held on April 20 at 10 a.m., where high-level cost estimates will be discussed before final recommendations are presented to Governor Kehoe by December 1.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports school accountability through the Missouri School Improvement Program according to its official website. The department serves all 557 public school districts and charter schools statewide according to its official website.
Additionally, DESE manages public education from kindergarten through twelfth grade along with early childhood initiatives according to its official website. It is led by the Commissioner of Education according to its official website, coordinates federal programs such as Title I and Title IV funding according to its official website, operating across all public school districts in Missouri.
