Virtual School Legislation Passed
Senator Goodman and Representative Baker Lead The Way
Jefferson City, Mo., (May 12, 2006) – Legislation to help Missouri students has passed in the Missouri Legislature by overwhelming bipartisan votes. The law also has broad support from organizations such as the Missouri Rural Development Partners (MRDP) and the Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA).
If signed by Governor Matt Blunt, Senate Bill 912 will create a “virtual school” for Missouri students to enroll in Internet-based classes. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will oversee the creation of the school and ensure that it meets the same standards as a typical public school district. It will be available to variety of students on both a full and part-time basis as determined by DESE.
Senator Jack Goodman (R-Lawrence), who sponsored the bill, was very pleased with the outcome of the legislation. “We had a unanimous vote in the Senate which demonstrates the strong support for quality education alternatives in our state. It is not intended to replace schools, but to create a new way to reach students with needs outside of the existing structure,” stated Goodman.
Representative Brian Baker (R-Belton), who sponsored the companion bill in the House of Representatives, believes the virtual school will create new opportunities for Missouri students. “We have to look at smarter, cost effective ways to improve education for our kids and I believe that this is a great approach,” said Baker.
Jim Tice, a board member for MRDP and Chair of the MRDP/MoDLA Distance Learning Initiative Task Force, contributed his expertise in developing the legislation. Mr. Tice has been instrumental in developing a virtual school at Missouri State University that is currently offered to numerous public school districts. “I’m glad that I could be a part of this effort to expand the virtual school concept to more Missourians. We have seen much success providing students with courses that they otherwise may not have available to them,” stated Tice. He added that the Task Force will remain active to continue support of distance learning policies and activities in the state.
Senate Bill 912 was co-sponsored by Senators Matt Bartle (R-Jackson), Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau) and David Klindt (R-Harrison). The House bill was co-sponsored by Representatives Carl Beardon (R-St. Charles), Walt Bivins (R-St. Louis), Lanie Black (R-Charleston), Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), Michael Cocoran (D-St. Ann), Bob Dixon (R-Springfield), Doug Ervin (R-Kearney), Kathlyn Fares (R-Webster Groves), Barney Joe Fisher (R-Richards), Timothy Flook (R-Liberty), Steve Hobbs (R-Mexico), Danielle Moore (R-Fulton), Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown), Scott Muschany (R-St. Louis), Jerry Nolte (R-Gladstone), Sam Page (D-Creve Coeur), Susan Phillips (R-Kansas City), Martin Rucker (R-Flemington), Therese Sander (R-Moberly), Robert Schaaf (R-St. Joseph), Ray Weter (R-Nixa), James Whorton (D-Trenton) and Larry Wilson (R-Flemington).
The Missouri Rural Development Partners (MRDP) was formally organized in November 1992 and is one of nearly 40 state rural development councils comprising the National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP). In 2004, MRDP received federal designation as Missouri’s official state rural development council. The mission of MRDP is “to improve the quality of life, enhance opportunities, and help empower citizens and rural communities of Missouri by bringing together a coalition of public and private entities.”
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Missouri NEA Legislative Update
Week 18, No. 2, May 9, 2006
Otto Fajen,Missouri NEA Legislative Director
HOUSE PASSES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The House passed SS/SCS/SB 912 (Jack Goodman) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The House defeated the HCS and took up the Senate version. Rep. Maynard Wallace offered HA 1 to correct the summer school state aid penalty, but the amendment was ruled out of order. The House then passed the bill by a vote of 136-20. Since the House adopted the Senate version without amendment, the bill is now finally passed and ready to be sent to the Governor for approval.
SENATE DEBATES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The Senate took up HB 1275 (Brian Baker) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The bill also includes the provisions of SB 970 (Chuck Gross) to protect districts in St. Charles County from uncompensated loss of local fine revenues if a county municipal court is established.
Sen. Charlie Shields added SA 1, which adds SB 1004 (Rita Days) to correct the sunset on the early childhood special education placement fix included in SB 500 (2005), SB 947 to establish standards for early childhood education, and SB 644 to correct the summer school state aid penalty. Sen. Tim Green added SA 3, to allow the State Auditor to audit any public school district. SA 3 was adopted by a vote of 17-16.
Sen. Loudon offered SA 4 to amend various provisions relating to charter schools including his SB 1190 to allow certain private colleges outside St. Louis City to sponsor charter schools in the city. A point of order was raised that the amendment goes beyond the scope and purpose of the bill. The point of order was taken under advisement, which ended debate on the bill. It appears unlikely that the bill will be taken up for consideration again this year, now that the House has finally passed the virtual schools language in SB 912.
Otto Fajen,Missouri NEA Legislative Director
HOUSE PASSES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The House passed SS/SCS/SB 912 (Jack Goodman) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The House defeated the HCS and took up the Senate version. Rep. Maynard Wallace offered HA 1 to correct the summer school state aid penalty, but the amendment was ruled out of order. The House then passed the bill by a vote of 136-20. Since the House adopted the Senate version without amendment, the bill is now finally passed and ready to be sent to the Governor for approval.
SENATE DEBATES VIRTUAL SCHOOL BILL
The Senate took up HB 1275 (Brian Baker) to create the Missouri Virtual Public School. The bill also includes the provisions of SB 970 (Chuck Gross) to protect districts in St. Charles County from uncompensated loss of local fine revenues if a county municipal court is established.
Sen. Charlie Shields added SA 1, which adds SB 1004 (Rita Days) to correct the sunset on the early childhood special education placement fix included in SB 500 (2005), SB 947 to establish standards for early childhood education, and SB 644 to correct the summer school state aid penalty. Sen. Tim Green added SA 3, to allow the State Auditor to audit any public school district. SA 3 was adopted by a vote of 17-16.
Sen. Loudon offered SA 4 to amend various provisions relating to charter schools including his SB 1190 to allow certain private colleges outside St. Louis City to sponsor charter schools in the city. A point of order was raised that the amendment goes beyond the scope and purpose of the bill. The point of order was taken under advisement, which ended debate on the bill. It appears unlikely that the bill will be taken up for consideration again this year, now that the House has finally passed the virtual schools language in SB 912.
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