Missouri Constitution Article IX - Education
Missouri Constitution – Article IX: Education
Article IX of the Missouri Constitution focuses on public education, including the structure, funding, and responsibilities related to the state’s educational system. Below is a section-by-section summary of the article:
Section-by-Section Summary:
Section 1(a): Free Public Schools
A general and uniform system of free public schools must be established and maintained by the state.
Education is to be provided for children between the ages of 5 and 21.
Section 1(b): School Districts and Governance
School districts are to be organized and governed by local boards.
The state board of education supervises public schools.
Section 2: Funding and Apportionment
The General Assembly is responsible for distributing funds from the state school fund equitably among all public schools.
Section 3: Investment of School Funds
School funds must be safely invested by the state or local officials, and any loss resulting from default or neglect must be covered.
Section 4: Proceeds from Public Lands
Income from federal land grants and other designated sources must be used to support public education.
Section 5: State School Fund
All interest, income, and proceeds from school lands and certain taxes must be credited to the state school fund.
Section 6: School Taxation
The Constitution allows for a minimum levy (property tax) for school funding and permits local school districts to increase it with voter approval.
Section 7: Religious and Sectarian Restrictions
Public funds cannot be used in aid of any religious or sectarian school or institution.
This reflects a “Blaine Amendment” style clause, maintaining a strong separation of church and state in education funding.
Section 8: State Board of Education
A non-partisan board consisting of members appointed by the Governor, with Senate consent.
The board is responsible for setting educational policies and overseeing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Section 9: Teachers' Retirement
The General Assembly must establish a retirement system for teachers.
Overall Purpose:
Article IX ensures the availability, governance, and financial support of a free and non-sectarian public school system throughout Missouri.
RELATED Blog
0 comments