Imagine trying to run a school with not enough money for books, teachers, or even working air conditioning. That’s what many public schools in Missouri are facing right now.
Missouri is one of the lowest-ranking states in the country when it comes to how much money it gives to public schools. That means our schools are already doing a lot with very little.
But instead of helping schools get more money, some lawmakers are trying to take money away and give it to private schools. That’s not fair to the 9 out of 10 kids in Missouri who go to public schools.
What Happens When Schools Don’t Have Enough Money?
When schools don’t get enough funding, they may have to:
- Cut art, music, or sports programs
- Use old textbooks and broken computers
- Let class sizes get too big
- Pay teachers less, which makes it hard to keep good teachers
- Delay fixing leaky roofs or broken air conditioners
This makes it harder for kids to learn and for teachers to teach.
Why Is This Happening?
Some people say that giving families “school choice” is the answer. But in Missouri, “school choice” often means taking money away from public schools and giving it to private schools through vouchers or special savings accounts.
In 2025, Missouri gave $50 million of public money to a program that helps pay for private school tuition. That money could have helped public schools buy new books, hire more teachers, or fix old buildings.
What Should We Do?
We need to make sure our public schools have the money they need to help every child succeed. That means:
- Keeping public money in public schools
- Asking lawmakers to increase school funding
- Supporting teachers and school staff
- Making sure every school has what it needs — no matter where it is
Let’s Stand Up for Our Schools
Our kids deserve safe, strong, and well-funded schools. Let’s work together to make sure every child in Missouri has a great place to learn.