Patrice Cook

The board authorized the publication of a rulemaking order regarding consolidated grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Actions were taken to evaluate charter sponsors, specifically confirming the standing of St. Louis Public Schools and Washington University. The board also addressed school district classifications, notably accrediting the Osborn R-O School District and designating the St. Louis Public School District as provisionally accredited. Furthermore, the establishment of recovery high schools in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, and St. Louis was approved. Finally, the board adopted new governance policies and received reports on legislative updates and school calendar start date exemptions.

The board approved a consent agenda that included a personnel report, financial summary, and salary schedule revisions. Key actions involved adopting a resolution for the Teacher of the Year and authorizing the publication of proposed rulemaking notices to amend certification requirements for special education and secondary education teachers. The board also received reports regarding the Success Ready Students Network, legislative priorities, student academic growth from the PRiME Center, and an overview of financially stressed school districts and charter schools. Additionally, the board rendered decisions on specific requests regarding the issuance and denial of Missouri substitute certificates of license to teach.

The board conducted a regular business meeting where several administrative and regulatory actions were taken. Key topics included the approval of consent agenda items such as personnel reports, financial transactions, and future agenda planning. The board reviewed and approved appointments to the Missouri Advisory Council of Certification for Educators. Additionally, the board authorized the publication of several notices and orders of rulemaking in the Missouri Register, specifically regarding standards for veterans' education courses, minimum standards, and amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B regulations. Finally, the board adopted legislative priorities for the upcoming 2026 legislative session.

The Board addressed a variety of items, including the approval of a consent agenda covering personnel reports, investment transactions, financial summaries, and the designation of A+ high schools. The Board also approved an amended meeting calendar for the year, authorized the publication of an order of rulemaking regarding special education teacher certification requirements, and denied requests for school calendar start date exemptions. Additionally, the Board adopted committee charter descriptions, received various reports concerning the budget, literacy initiatives, accreditation, and school updates, and took action to revoke a teaching license.

The session, presented by compliance consultants from the Kansas City RPDC and South Central RPDC, focused on beginning-of-the-year special education hot topics and compliance updates. Key discussion points included state plan updates concerning Other Health Impairment qualifications, ensuring parent participation in IEP meetings via video conferencing, and changes to in-state transfer procedures during re-evaluations. Significant revisions were made to special education forms, such as splitting health and motor sections on the Review of Existing Data form, relocating 'central auditory processing' to the language section, adding data requirements for eligibility without assessment, and clarifying the basis for determination on the Evaluation Report. Furthermore, the session covered new requirements for the local compliance plan, mandating adoption or adaptation by October 1, 2022, and addressed the removal of the 'speech implementer' regulation. The presenters also provided reminders on handling transfer documents.