Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t the state already required to provide high-quality public education?
Not technically. The Missouri Constitution currently requires the state to fund schools, but it does not establish education as a fundamental right or guarantee that education must be high quality, adequate, or equitable. As a result, funding has often been inconsistent, and educational opportunities vary dramatically across the state.
What measures has the state taken to address the disparities in education?
Missouri periodically updates its education funding formula, but the current formula is outdated and fails to meet the needs of many students. It does not account for rising costs, regional differences, or the needs of students with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income communities. Even when new revenue streams—like lottery or casino proceeds—were promised for education, legislators often reduced funding from other sources, leaving total education funding stagnant.
Where does Missouri stand in terms of education funding currently?
Missouri consistently ranks in the bottom third of states for per-pupil spending. Many districts, especially rural and urban ones, struggle to offer competitive teacher pay, safe school buildings, and modern learning resources. Missouri also underfunds special education and early childhood programs compared to national averages.
How would this change current law or the state constitution?
This initiative would amend the Missouri Constitution to declare education a fundamental right, require the state to provide a system of adequate, thorough, and uniform high-quality free public schools, and impose a clear, constitutional duty on the legislature and state to uphold that right for all children.
Will this initiative immediately increase funding for schools?
Not directly. What this initiative does is create a legal obligation for the state to ensure that all public schools meet a high-quality standard. In other states with similar constitutional language, this has led to increased funding—either through legislative action or court decisions—especially in underserved communities. It provides a tool for parents, educators, and communities to hold the state accountable.
How will this affect funding for rural vs. urban school districts?
This amendment is designed to benefit all students, whether they live in a rural town, suburb, or city. It requires the state to address funding disparities, not by shifting resources from one district to another, but by ensuring every school has what it needs to meet a uniform, high-quality standard. Rural and urban schools both stand to gain from a more equitable and accountable funding system.
Will this raise my taxes?
No. This initiative does not raise taxes. It simply sets a constitutional priority: if education is underfunded, the legislature must fix it. How they do so is up to them. They can reprioritize spending, identify new revenue, or close loopholes. The goal is to make sure education is no longer treated as optional or negotiable.
Could this lead to lawsuits or court-mandated spending increases?
Yes. In states like Kansas, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, similar constitutional provisions have led to successful lawsuits when schools were underfunded. Courts in those states required the legislature to increase funding and correct inequities. This amendment empowers parents and communities to demand action if the state fails to fulfill its obligation.
How does this initiative affect charter schools and school choice?
The amendment wouldn’t ban charter schools, open enrollment, or other forms of school choice. But it raises the bar: any school receiving public funds must meet the same standards for adequacy, equity, and quality. This ensures that no matter what school a child attends, they receive the education they deserve.
Why is this amendment necessary if we’ve already passed education funding measures through the lottery, casinos, and sports betting?
Those measures were helpful, but they didn’t fix the underlying problem. While voters intended those funds to help schools, the state often reduced other sources of education funding, leaving schools with little to no net gain.
How can I get involved and help support this initiative?
You can get involved by signing the petition to help place the initiative on the ballot and by talking to friends, neighbors, and family about why this amendment matters. Volunteering your time—whether by collecting signatures, speaking with voters, or helping at events—can make a big difference. If you’re able, donating will help us reach more people across the state. And most importantly, make sure you’re registered and ready to vote yes when the time comes.
