Better prepared students, better paid teachers

By Dean Johnson Quality Schools Coalition Special to

In his final year in office, Governor Mike Parson has proposed significant investments in Missouri’s families, teachers, and students. Senate Bill 727, a bipartisan education package, now awaits Parson’s signature, promising higher teacher salaries and increased pre-K enrollment in public schools.

Missouri has long neglected these areas, resulting in dismal rankings. A 2021 study by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office placed the state 49th in publicly-funded school resources. Similarly, Missouri rates poorly in early childhood education, ranking 43rd in enrollment and 38th in access to pre-K programs. Missouri also ranked the fourth lowest in terms of the quality of early education systems, placing 38th in access to pre-kindergarten programs and 37th in spending on resources and economic support.

Senate Bill 727 aims to double pre-K seats in qualifying school districts and charter schools, offering a crucial opportunity to enhance early childhood education statewide. Research shows that pre-K enrollment correlates with higher high school graduation rates and reduced special education needs. Students enrolled in pre-k have a 14% better chance at graduating high school and a 10% lower chance of being placed in special education programs.

Missouri’s teacher pay also lags behind, ranking 46th nationally in 2022. Senate Bill 727 addresses this by raising the minimum teacher salary from $25,000 to $40,000 and providing funding support to help districts achieve this target, without forcing unfunded mandates onto rural, low-density or low-income school districts. Additionally, it adjusts pay scales for experienced teachers with advanced degrees, and will adjust with inflation going forward.

Improving teacher pay is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, directly impacting the quality of education our children receive. The bill also addresses funding disparities among districts in our state foundation formula by revising enrollment and attendance definitions, in turn increasing total funding across nearly all of Missouri’s school districts.

Passage of Senate Bill 727 marks a significant legislative achievement, signaling a commitment to investing in Missouri’s educational future. By prioritizing teachers and students, Missouri can secure a brighter tomorrow for Missouri students, families, and teachers.



Dean Johnson is the President and CEO of Quality Schools Coalition, a Missouri-based non-profit organization focused on improving the public education ecosystem in Missouri. Dean formerly served as Executive Director of Crossroads Charter Schools, a network of three schools in Kansas City serving 1,100 students in grades Pre-K through twelfth grade. Previously, Dean was a humanitarian relief worker in Zimbabwe and Indonesia with Catholic Relief Services. Dean and his wife Tricia live in Kansas City, MO with their two daughters.