MAESP Priority Issues 2025-2026

The Missouri Association of Elementary and PK-8 School Principals (MAESP) represents school leaders across the state, advocating for policies that strengthen public education and ensure every child has access to high-quality learning opportunities. Our mission is to support principals and empower schools to meet the needs of all students. Advocacy is essential—because decisions made in Jefferson City directly impact classrooms, educators, and communities.

1. Strengthening the State–Local Balance in School Funding

Why It Matters: Missouri ranks among the lowest in the nation for state investment in public education while ranking among the highest in local effort. This imbalance creates inequities where opportunities vary widely by ZIP code. Ongoing property tax discussions—along with policies such as vouchers, open enrollment, and expanded tax credit programs—threaten to further destabilize local districts. A stronger, more accountable state funding model is needed.

Our Priorities:

• Increase state funding accountability to ensure Missouri meets its constitutional and moral obligation to support every public school equitably.
• Develop a modernized student funding formula that reflects real student needs, regional costs, and 21st-century learning demands.
• Honor and balance local effort by designing state mechanisms that complement—not compete with—local investment.
• Protect public schools and preserve local governance, ensuring new policies do not divert resources or authority from local districts.
• Guarantee stability by requiring that any tax or school choice legislation includes full, sustainable hold-harmless protections for public schools.

2. Stabilizing and Strengthening the Education Workforce

Why It Matters: Educator shortages remain one of Missouri’s most urgent challenges. Recruiting and retaining quality educators directly impacts student learning, school stability, and community trust.

Our Priorities:

• Ensure competitive compensation to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and school leaders.
• Continue investing in development and mentoring, including statewide induction, coaching, and leadership programs.
• Support grow-your-own initiatives and loan forgiveness programs that encourage high school and college students to enter the profession.
• Improve working conditions by reducing unnecessary mandates and compliance burdens that drain time and morale.

3. Addressing Intense Student Needs

Why It Matters: Student needs continue to rise—especially around behavior, trauma, mental health, special education, and language support. Principals face more high-intensity cases with fewer staff resources.

Our Priorities:

• Increase resources for support staff such as behavioral specialists, paraprofessionals, and counselors.
• Expand access to mental health care, including community partnerships and school-based services.
• Align state funding with real need, ensuring SPED and ELL support reflects current student demographics.
• Strengthen coordination between schools, state agencies, and community providers to manage mental health and behavioral crises.

Join Us in Advocacy

Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure Missouri’s public schools remain strong, equitable, and prepared to meet the needs of every child.