Dr. Karla Eslinger Commissioner | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Senate Bill 68, which introduces new measures to assist local education agencies in Missouri. The bill contains over 30 provisions, with half focusing on school safety. It addresses various aspects of elementary and secondary education, aligning with the Governor's priorities.
Key components of the legislation include implementing school emergency operations plans and developing a cardiac emergency plan involving automated external defibrillators. Additionally, it modifies school safety criteria within the Missouri School Improvement Program as provided by the State Board of Education and establishes a method for reporting school safety events.
The bill also encourages responsible use of electronic communication devices by students and realigns assessment metrics to include grade-level equivalence for grades 3-8. Furthermore, it creates the STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund and extends the hours retired teachers can substitute in classrooms.
“Provisions within this legislation help support the Governor’s priorities, while also assisting educators throughout the state,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “Several of these subjects give additional tools to local education agencies to ensure a safe school environment which includes supporting teachers by reducing distractions in the classroom.”
Senate Bill 68 will be effective from August 28, 2025. More information is available on the Missouri Senate’s website.
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