The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting an increase in their budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Missouri News Network reports that in a House Committee Budget Hearing that lasted more than two-and-a-half hours on Monday, officials from the department ask for around a $500 million increase in funding, though Governor Mike Kehoe’s recommendation is only for $200 million.
Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services Kelli Jones says the state needs to pay for more literacy coaches to continue the literacy training program for teachers, which she said will train nearly 8,000 teachers this year.
During the hearing, Republican Representative Darin Chappell of Rogersville criticized the department for not spending all of their budgeted funds in the past.
The discussion is part of the ongoing budget discussions during the legislative session in Jefferson City.
(Recapped from story written by Olivia Mizelle, Missouri News Network)
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