Governor Kehoe signs $8.6 billion education budget for fiscal year 2026

Governor Mike Kehoe has signed the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) $8.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget includes several significant allocations aimed at enhancing education in Missouri.

The approved budget ensures full funding of the Foundation Formula, which is a crucial element in financing public schools across the state. It also includes investments to improve child care subsidies by enabling payments based on authorized enrollment and prospective payments. DESE, alongside the Office of Childhood, is working on updating the Child Care Data System to accommodate these changes, which are expected to take about six months to complete. These updates aim to provide financial stability for child care providers by offering a consistent income source.

Additionally, the budget guarantees full funding for transportation and increases investments in literacy programs. There is also a focus on career and technical education, with increased investment allocated to these areas.

Missouri teachers and students will benefit from additional funds directed towards supporting both the Missouri Leadership Development System and Missouri Teacher Development System.

Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger expressed gratitude for the collective efforts supporting Missouri's educational sector: "We appreciate everyone’s efforts to support Missouri education throughout the state," she said. "We thank the General Assembly and Governor Kehoe for investing in public education in our state."

The new fiscal year will commence on July 1, 2025.