Area school leaders, including those at Santa Fe R-X Schools, continue to make adjustments and brace for more changes as legislation impacting public education makes it way through Jefferson City.

At last week’s meeting, Santa Fe’s board of education continued discussions on how to meet the new state requirement that teachers receive a base salary of at least $40,000 per year. Supt. Derek Lark says for smaller districts like Santa Fe, meeting the increase could require a significant impact to their budget.

Lark says Santa Fe continues to craft a proposed salary schedule, which the school board is expected to review at their next meeting April 15.

In addition to Senate Bill 727, which became law last year, Lark says the district is keeping their eyes on the potential impact several bills could have on taxation and revenue for school districts. He also reiterated his skepticism for House Bill 711, which would allow open enrollment across Missouri. Lark argues that if open enrollment were allowed, districts would have to allocate resources toward recruiting and retaining students.

House Bill 711 was referred to the Senate’s education committee this week, after passing a final vote in House earlier this month.