Dr. Karla Eslinger Commissioner | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the appointments to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force. This task force, established by Executive Order 25-14, is tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the state's K-12 school funding model. A final report is expected by December 1, 2026.
Governor Kehoe emphasized the importance of rethinking Missouri's foundation formula: “To secure a better future for Missouri students and schools, we must rethink how we fund Missouri's foundation formula.” He added that a modernized funding model should reward outcomes, encourage innovation, and ensure fairness for all students.
The task force consists of 16 members representing various sectors including urban and rural communities, traditional and nontraditional education systems, academia, and industry. Their mission is to create a funding model that promotes equal access for students while ensuring local flexibility, performance accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Among the appointees are Matt Davis from Eldon as a representative for small rural school districts' superintendents; Noah Devine from Kansas City representing charter schools; Emily LeRoy from Hermann serving as an additional member appointed by the Governor; James "Jim" Meats from Springfield representing the business community; Mike Podgursky from Columbia also appointed by the Governor; Donald “Don” Thalhuber from Columbia as another gubernatorial appointee; Michael “Jeremy” Tucker from Liberty representing large urban school districts' superintendents; Chris Vas from Kansas City representing non-profit organizations focused on school choice; Casey Wasser from California representing the agriculture industry; and David Wood from Versailles representing teachers in Missouri.
The task force will also include two members of the State Board of Education: Kerry Casey from Chesterfield and Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge from Pasadena Hills. Additionally, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin and House Speaker Jonathan Patterson have appointed Senators Rusty Black and Travis Fitzwater along with Representatives Ed Lewis and Marlene Terry to serve on the task force.
Senator Rusty Black will chair the task force. Reflecting on his experience as an educator, he stated: “As a former educator, I know firsthand the challenges our teachers face and the importance of ensuring that every dollar we invest in education has a meaningful impact.”
For further information on the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, interested parties can find more details online.
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