Anti 4-day school week proposal to become law in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A legislative provision that would give Independence voters a chance to weigh in on a potential four-day school week is set to become law.

That’s a result of the age of Senate Bill 727, which the Missouri General Assembly approved Wednesday.

SB 727 includes a provision the originated as part of House Bill 1417 that would require larger school districts attempting to transition to a four-day school week to hold a vote before August 2025.

The provision also would provide $78 million for schools with five-day weeks.

“The issue of closing down schools one day a week, every week is an important issue on which voters should have a say,” said Rep. Robert Sauls of Independence. “Four-day school weeks are bad for kids and tough on parents, and I am glad voters will have a chance to be heard, while providing additional funding to raise teacher pay.”

Sauls said the $78 million would counter the inadequate funding reasoning provided by superintendents proposing a four-day school week.

In December 2022, the Independence School District’s school board voted to move to a four-day school week. If SB 727 becomes law, the district would need to hold a vote of the people again before August 2025.