By Annabeth Miller
ShowMe Times Editor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.; March 18, 2010 - Dexter’s school superintendent met recently with the city’s state representative concerning the state’s school funding formula.

Dexter Supt. Dr. Tom Sharp met with State. Rep. Billy Pat Wright, R – Dexter, at a dinner and workshop on the Missouri public school foundation formula. The dinner and workshop was held recently and sponsored by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).

The Missouri public school foundation formula is the mechanism by which school districts receive state funds to operate their schools. It is the largest single appropriation from general revenue in the Missouri state budget. The 2011-12 school year is slated to be the sixth year of a seven-year phase-in of the current formula.

The workshop on the formula was presented by Dr. Chris Straub, a former superintendent and adjunct professor who is currently teaching school finance for the education doctorate program at St. Louis University and for the education specialist program at the University of Central Missouri.

Dr. Straub explained the formula theory, the various factors that are included in the formula and the mechanics of the foundation formula. He shared examples of how funds are distributed to three school districts: one district that is currently on the formula, one district that is “hold harmless” and one district that receives small school funding.

Bruce Johnson, MASA President and Superintendent of the Stanberry R-II School District said the purpose of the meeting was purely educational.

“We truly appreciate the time the legislators took to join us for this dinner and workshop. We believe it is extremely important that our legislators fully understand the school foundation formula as they begin their deliberations in the coming months,” Johnson said.

Sharp is in his first year in the Dexter Public Schools. He came to Dexter from the Bourbon, Mo., school district.

Wright represents District 159 in the Missouri House of Representatives. The district includes Dexter and much of Stoddard County, as well as portions of Wayne and Cape Girardeau counties.