COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMIZ)
A new law goes into effect on Wednesday that increases teacher salaries and allows charter schools in Boone County.
Senate Bill 727 passed the Missouri Legislature in April before Governor Mike Parson signed the bill in May.
The Boone County School Board had previously sent Parson a letter urging him to block the bill. Local school superintendents also signed a letter protesting the bill, arguing that a local charter school would take much-needed resources away from traditional public school districts in Boone County.
The new law increases teacher salaries from $25,000 to $40,000 for bachelor’s degree teachers and from $33,000 to $46,000 for teachers with advanced degrees, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. This minimum wage will increase each year through the 2027-28 school year.
It also creates the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Fund and the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Program to help increase teacher salaries. The General Assembly can contribute money to the fund and school districts can apply to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a grant for the fund.
Check back later for updates.
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