As a superintendent — and just as important, as a taxpayer here in Barry County — I want to share a timely perspective on decisions currently being made in Jefferson City that will directly impact our students, our staff, and our community. 

Missouri lawmakers are in the final days of shaping the state budget, and the outcome will determine whether public schools receive funding that is dependable or funding that only appears sufficient on paper. Right now, a small group of legislators on the Budget Conference Committee is deciding between two very different approaches.

The Senate version of the budget takes a responsible approach. It replaces uncertain funding sources with actual dollars, ensuring that the money allocated to schools will truly be there when districts like Cassville need it. The House version, however, continues to rely on revenue streams that have already proven unreliable. Missouri schools are currently managing a significant shortfall because expected funds from lottery, gaming, and tobacco revenues did not materialize. 

We’ve been here before. If the House approach is adopted again, we risk repeating the same outcome.

When school funding falls short, the impact reaches far beyond a line item in a budget. It is felt in classrooms, along bus routes, and in the opportunities we’re able to offer our students. Needs that should be addressed, like repairing parking lots, are deferred, allowing conditions to worsen. 

Roof leaks are patched rather than properly fixed. And teachers who deserve competitive pay increases may instead see only minimal raises, or none at all, until state funding stabilizes. 

Across Missouri, districts are already facing a gap between what is promised and what is delivered. The current projections show a potential $190 million underfunding of the foundation formula, with an additional $118 million at risk if unreliable revenue sources fall short again. 

For communities like Cassville, that translates into difficult decisions: Staffing levels, course offerings and student programs, transportation and operational costs, facility maintenance and improvements. 

These are not theoretical impacts. They are the practical realities of underfunding.

As taxpayers, we expect our state budget to reflect responsible, thoughtful financial planning. As educators, we rely on funding that is stable and predictable so we can effectively serve our students. The Senate plan does not propose excessive spending. Rather, it ensures that funding already promised to schools is supported by real dollars, not uncertain projections. 

The Budget Conference Committee will soon finalize these decisions. There is still time for our voices to be heard, but that opportunity is quickly narrowing. I encourage community members, parents, and all who value strong public schools to reach out to our local legislators: Representative Scott Cupps ([email protected]; 573-751-1488) and Senator Mike Moon ([email protected]; 573-751-1480). 

Let them know you support a budget that prioritizes classrooms over uncertainty, one that delivers funding that is real, reliable, and kept as promised. It is equally important that our legislators understand how these decisions directly impact communities like Cassville. 

Your voice as a constituent and taxpayer carries meaningful influence. In Cassville, we take great pride in our school and the role it plays in shaping the future of our community. The decisions made in Jefferson City in the coming days will either strengthen that foundation or put it at risk. 

Let’s ensure our legislators clearly understand what is at stake for Missouri students. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 417-847-2221.

Merlyn Johnson is the superintendent of the Cassville school district. He may be reached at [email protected].