Missouri House Passes Charter School Expansion

Today, the Missouri House passed a bill that will expand the opportunity for more students to enroll in public charter schools across the state. Currently, charter schools operate in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. This legislation will allow students who live in a district with an underperforming school to have access to better educational options through public charter schools.

Statement from Tommy Schultz, National Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:

“The American Federation for Children is once again impressed at the growing momentum in Missouri for providing families more access to a great education for their children. Students beyond just Kansas City and St. Louis deserve the chance to choose the learning environment tailored to their needs and desires. High quality options are available, and those doors should be open to more students. We’d like to thank Rep. Roeber for authoring the legislation and Speaker Richardson for his leadership in fostering an environment for high quality education reforms that will benefit thousands of families across the state.”

With HB 634’s passage in the House, it’s another step in a series of efforts to advance educational choice. Two weeks ago, the House passed a course access bill by a wide bipartisan margin, allowing high schoolers to enroll in two classes—virtually or in person—at another school or education provider. The State of Missouri will approve of the courses and Governor Eric Greitens pledged in his State of the State address to expand and fully fund the program. It currently is under consideration in the Senate.