JC/DC ACTION ALERT: Take Action: Tell Your Representative to OPPOSE HB1989 Open Enrollment
Missouri PTA advocates for all children and for the improvement of public education. It believes that any changes in school structure or funding should be measured by the likely outcomes for all children in accord with the obligation to prepare all children to become effective, productive adult citizens.
The focus should be on supporting and improving our schools and all populations in each of our communities rather than tearing them apart. Each community is unique and to say that open enrollment would benefit all students is misleading and grossly misunderstood. However, the impact will be felt by all due to the financial hardship it will cause for districts.
Missouri PTA advocates are called upon to ensure your Representative understands that you are paying attention and that this issue is important to you!
ACTION NEEDED: PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL and urge your Senator to oppose the recently debated and passed HB 1989.
MOPTA Advocates are invited to utilize the letter below to guide your calls, emails, and social media contact with your lawmaker(s).
Dear Representative,
Open enrollment has the potential to impact the financial resources of the school districts that gain students and those that lose students. Missouri does not provide the same level of funding for any two school districts and local tax rates vary greatly among school districts. As students move among Missouri school districts, open enrollment could create financial chaos.
Less money in classrooms is a concern for me. HB 1989 will pit public schools against one another. School districts will compete for students and large sums of money that should be utilized for the education of children will instead be used for marketing and other recruitment materials. Schools will also be forced to “one up” one another for the best facilities and best sports programs which will further deplete money going into the classroom.
Loss of Community Support is another concern. If HB 1989 is passed, school districts should expect less community support and involvement. If individuals are living within their resident district but sending their children to a non-resident district, those individuals will be less likely to support ballot measures to increase their taxes in the resident districts.
The legislation allows districts to deny students based on special education status. This is outlandish and as this text stands, appears to permit school districts to discriminate against special needs children.
Open Enrollment changes the feel of the community/neighborhood school. Already crowded schools may become even more crowded and smaller urban and rural schools may face consolidation. NO schools win with this legislation!!
Sincerely,
Your Name and PTA
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