Vol. 40, No. 2
January 12, 2006
State Board of Education Endorses the
Governor’s Budget Proposals for 2006-07
The State Board of Education today voiced its support for the 2007 budget recommendations presented yesterday by Gov. Matt Blunt.
"The State Board of Education is especially pleased that the governor is recommending an increase of $167 million in new funding for public schools, primarily through the new formula that was adopted by the General Assembly last year," said board chairman Peter Herschend, Branson.
"The increase proposed by the governor would mean the formula will be fully funded during its first year of implementation, and it should reinforce the governor’s commitment to supporting public education," he said.
In his State of the State address last night, Gov. Blunt also recommended increased funding for the Parents as Teachers and the A+ Schools programs, both of which are important initiatives to the State Board of Education, said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King.
The State Board of Education oversees the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Herschend said he is happy that the governor is proposing a pay increase package for state workers.
"It has been a long time since our employees have had a salary increase. We have a lot of great people working to provide quality education for Missouri kids, and we need to recognize and reward their commitment," Herschend said.
Although the budget of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not include funds for higher education, board members also voiced support for the governor’s proposed increases in support for public colleges and universities.
"Higher education is the goal of the majority of Missouri students, and state funding helps make higher education affordable for more families. In addition, most of the teachers in Missouri’s public schools come from our state institutions. We have a strong interest in maintaining a healthy higher education system," said David Liechti, board member from St. Joseph.