Legislative Updates & Public Education

Stay informed. Stay connected. Make a difference for our students.

Decisions made in Jefferson City affect classrooms right here in Putnam County, from school funding and teacher recruitment to student learning and accountability.

This page connects families, staff, and community members with official information about Missouri education policy and the elected officials who represent us. Our focus is nonpartisan: helping our community understand the issues, ask informed questions, and support strong public schools.

Missouri Education Issues to Follow

School funding and rural school needs

Missouri’s School Funding Modernization Task Force is reviewing the state’s K–12 funding structure, with recommendations due December 1, 2026. For rural communities, questions to follow include how proposed changes would address student needs, school operating costs, transportation, and local flexibility.

Explore the funding task force’s meetings, materials, and opportunities for feedback.

School performance and accountability

Missouri is developing an A–F school and district grading framework as an additional accountability tool. Families can follow the state’s work and learn how achievement, student growth, graduation, and readiness measures contribute to school performance reporting.

When reviewing school results, consider multiple measures alongside the learning opportunities and support available to students.

View DESE’s school improvement and A–F framework information.

Recruiting and keeping quality teachers

Strong schools depend on qualified, supported educators. Teacher recruitment and retention remain important topics, including efforts to strengthen the teacher workforce and help educators succeed throughout their careers.

Explore Missouri’s teacher recruitment and retention resources.

Education legislation and the state budget

Education proposals can change as they move through committees and floor debate. Read the current bill language, review amendments, and check a proposal’s status before drawing conclusions about its impact. A proposed bill is not the same as an enacted law.

Visit the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate to follow legislation, committees, hearings, and legislative activity.

Connect With Your State Legislators

State Representative Danny Busick — House District 3

201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 412-C
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-751-3647
Email: Danny.Busick@house.mo.gov

Missouri House Member Directory

State Senator Cindy O’Laughlin — Senate District 18

201 W. Capitol Ave., Room 326
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-751-7985
Send a message through the senator’s official contact form

Visit Senator O’Laughlin’s official webpage

Your Voice Matters

You do not have to be a policy expert to get involved. Read information from original sources, ask questions, and share how a proposal could affect your child, your school, or your community.

When contacting an elected official, identify yourself as a constituent, explain the issue clearly, and include the bill number when available. Respectful, specific examples help connect statewide decisions with everyday experiences in our schools.

Thank you for staying informed and supporting the students, staff, and families of Putnam County R-I. Feel free to visit our local school board meetings as well. You can find board member info, meeting dates, and minutes on our website under Board of Education.

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026.