Sen. Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall) delivers introductory remarks at a forum addressing rural education issues Mar. 24, 2026 at Santa Fe High School in Alma, as Rep. Terry Thompson (R-Lexington) looks on. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)

Sen. Kurtis Gregory returned to his alma mater of Santa Fe High School on Tuesday, Mar. 24 to participate in a forum focused on issues impacting rural education.

Funding levels from the state were a significant topic of discussion as state lawmakers and county leaders sat at one table on the floor of the Greg Prather Gymnasium while area superintendents delivered remarks to over 150 attendees. After the forum, Gregory told KMMO News that efforts to update the foundation formula, which determines state funding levels for each of Missouri’s over 550 school districts, are underway.

Meanwhile, attention in the Missouri Senate turns to a pair of house joint resolutions that, if adopted, would ask Missourians this November whether to phase out the state income tax in favor of more revenue generated by sales taxes. Gregory says if voters agree, lawmakers would be tasked to take a gradual approach, and adds that he’ll focus on ensuring that rural districts like Santa Fe are not adversely impacted.

The 90-minute forum Tuesday night included remarks from superintendents of seven school districts in Lafayette and Saline counties, as well as county commissioners from both counties.