The upcoming Missouri gubernatorial election is crucial for the future of education in the state, as the next governor will have the power to set spending priorities for fiscal year 2026. The proposed budget, which will be unveiled during the State of the State address, will determine how much state funding flows to K-12 schools and college campuses. The candidates in the contested Republican and Democratic primaries have shared their education priorities ahead of the election. Among the candidates, there is bipartisan support for raising teacher pay to be competitive with neighboring states, although there are stark contrasts in views regarding school choice, oversight for library books and curriculum, and the future of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Republican candidates Jay Ashcroft, Bill Eigel, Jeremy Gundel, and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe all have different approaches to education. Ashcroft prioritizes putting parents in charge of their children’s education and advocating for educational savings accounts. Eigel supports school choice and aims to reduce bureaucracy in education. Gundel supports various forms of education and teacher pay increases if additional revenue can be found. Kehoe has been involved in legislation that increased minimum teacher pay and supports initiatives that match students with careers.
On the Democratic side, Mike Hamra and Sheryl Gladney have also shared their education priorities. Hamra’s plan includes providing free meals for students, making GED tests and college entrance exams free for low-income students, and addressing student loan debt. Gladney focuses on early childhood education and investing in high-quality preschool programs. The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the future of education in Missouri, with candidates offering a range of approaches to improve the education system in the state.
Source
Photo credit www.news-leader.com
