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Legislative Updates Impacting Public Education and the School District of Washington

As we approach the upcoming Missouri legislative session, several proposals could have a significant impact on school districts across the state, including Washington. While many of these measures are still in discussion stages, it is important to share the potential implications and how they may affect our students, staff, and community.

Contributing to these discussions are the funding realities Missouri finds itself in. Missouri ranks last in the country in the percentage of state funding that funds public schools. Correspondingly, Missouri ranks 5th in the country in the percentage of local funding that funds schools. At $13,414 spent per student, Missouri ranks 36th in total public education spending. 

School District of Washington Funding Structure and Local Support

Our district’s funding comes from a combination of local, state, and federal sources. Unlike many Missouri districts, we rely heavily on local funding, which makes up about 75% of our overall resources.

This strong local support has been critical in allowing us to:

  • Maintain steady staffing and competitive salaries to recruit and retain quality educators.
     
  • Keep class sizes lower, ensuring more individualized attention for students.
     
  • Sustain important community schools like Labadie and Augusta, which provide neighborhood-centered learning opportunities.
     
  • Continue offering a wide range of programs and supports that benefit students across all grade levels.

We are grateful to our community for its ongoing investment in our schools. This local commitment is what makes it possible to provide the high-quality education our students deserve, even as state and federal funding levels remain uncertain.

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Possible Legislative Impact

SB3 – Tax Freeze

Senate Bill 3 proposes freezing state revenue growth at 0%. For our district, this would mean a projected reduction of approximately $240,000 each year. The constitutionality of this bill is currently being challenged in court, but we remain cautious about its potential long-term effect on district budgets.

HJR 5-8 – Elimination of Personal Property Tax

House Joint Resolutions 5-8, introduced during a special session and currently on pause, would eliminate personal property taxes. For our district, this change would result in a reduction of more than $10 million in the first year alone. If reintroduced, it would create substantial long-term budget concerns, requiring significant adjustments to maintain programs and services.

Public Education Foundation Formula Revisions and Broader Fiscal Impacts

The state has signaled an interest in rewriting the K–12 foundation formula, which determines how state education funding is allocated to districts. The impact of these changes is not yet clear. However, because approximately 75% of our district’s resources come from local funding, any change in how state support is calculated, combined with other legislative proposals, could affect our overall financial stability. These decisions have the potential to influence staffing, programming, and the opportunities we are able to provide students.

Open Enrollment Legislation

Another recurring topic in recent sessions is open enrollment, which would allow students to attend public schools outside their home district. Proposals have varied, but they raise concerns about the financial and logistical impact on districts like ours. Open enrollment could potentially shift funding between districts without fully accounting for the costs of serving all students. While the details of this year’s proposals are not yet known, we expect open enrollment to be part of the legislative discussion again.

Moving Forward – Advocacy and Community Engagement

As these issues unfold, our district will continue to advocate for policies that protect the stability of public education funding and ensure that all students have access to quality learning opportunities. Community awareness and engagement will be important as the session progresses. We encourage parents, staff, and community members to stay informed and connected to the conversation.

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How You Can Help

Supporting strong public schools requires awareness and collaboration. Here are a few ways community members can stay engaged as the legislative session moves forward:

  • Stay Informed: Follow district updates on our website and newsletters for the latest information on legislative developments and their impact on our schools.
     
  • Learn More: Explore resources from trusted education organizations to better understand how proposed legislation affects Missouri public schools.
     
  • Connect with Leaders: Reach out to local and state representatives to share your perspective on the importance of strong, stable funding for public education.
     
  • Advocacy Networks: Consider joining nonpartisan advocacy groups that support Missouri schools and students.
     

Together, our voices help ensure that the needs of students, families, and educators remain at the center of legislative discussions.

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Legislators That Represent A Portion of Our School District

According to the latest district lines, the following legislators represent at least a portion of our school district. To determine the lawmaker that represents an individual address like your school building or home address, please enter that address. HERE for Senators and HERE for the House of Representatives Roster

Senate Districts Map LINK and House of Representatives District Map LINK

Senators 

Representatives

 

Understanding School Funding in the School District of Washington 

Public education in Missouri is funded through a combination of local, state, and federal resources. Understanding these funding levers helps our community see how resources are allocated and how they impact programs, staffing, and student opportunities.

Local Funding – The Foundation of Our Schools

Approximately 75% of the School District of Washington’s funding comes from local property taxes and levies, reflecting strong community support. This local investment allows the district to:

  • Maintain steady staffing levels and competitive salaries.
     
  • Keep class sizes smaller, allowing for more individualized attention.
     
  • Support community schools like Labadie and Augusta, which provide neighborhood-centered education.
     
  • Offer a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student supports.
     

Without this local commitment, it would be challenging to sustain the level of services and opportunities our students currently enjoy.

State Funding – The Role of Missouri’s Formula

State funding is determined by the foundation formula, which allocates money based on student enrollment, district wealth, and other factors. Missouri contributes a relatively small portion of overall public education funding: the state ranks last in the nation for the percentage of funding it provides, while ranking 5th nationally for reliance on local funding. At roughly $13,414 spent per student, Missouri ranks 36th in total per-student spending nationally.

The state is currently exploring a rewrite of the foundation formula. While details are still being developed, any changes could have a meaningful effect on the School District of Washington’s overall budget and planning, even with strong local funding.

Federal Funding – Targeted Support

Federal resources supplement local and state funding, primarily supporting:

  • High-need student programs (Title I)
     
  • Special education services
     
  • After-school and enrichment programs
     

While federal dollars represent a smaller portion of total funding, they are essential for ensuring equity and compliance with federal education requirements.

Private School Funding and Broader Budget Context

Recent legislative actions, including funding for private school scholarships (MOScholars), demonstrate how state resources are being allocated across different educational priorities. While these programs do not currently reduce local funding for public schools, they add complexity to the state budget and highlight the importance of strategic planning for all districts.

Why Funding Matters to the School District of Washington 

With roughly 75% of resources coming from local support, the mix of state and federal funds can influence:

  • Staffing stability and recruitment
     
  • Class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios
     
  • Ability to maintain programs and community schools
     
  • Resources for high-need students
     

Ongoing discussions about the foundation formula and other state-level funding decisions are closely monitored to ensure that our students continue to have access to high-quality educational opportunities.

Staying Informed and Engaged

Understanding how schools are funded is essential to supporting student success. Community awareness and engagement help ensure that the resources the School District of Washington needs are preserved. Ways to stay involved include:

  • Following district updates on funding and programs
     
  • Learning how local, state, and federal resources work together
     
  • Connecting with school leaders and elected officials to share your perspective
     
  • Engaging with nonpartisan advocacy networks that support public education.