Weekly Update
May 2, 2025
| | Supreme Court Weighs Religious Charters | |
A closely watched U.S. Supreme Court case could open the door for religious organizations to operate publicly funded charter schools. The outcome could have sweeping implications for charter school governance, religious liberty, and state education policy nationwide.
In 2023, Oklahoma’s Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved an application from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — the first religious charter school in the nation. Oklahoma law requires that charter schools be nonsectarian, but the board approved St. Isidore’s plan to openly teach the Catholic faith.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond challenged the board’s decision, and the state supreme court agreed, ruling that a public charter school cannot promote religious beliefs. St. Isidore and the board appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the denial violates the First Amendment’s protections for free exercise of religion.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recused herself from the case. If the Court splits 4–4, the Oklahoma ruling will stand.
Arguments in favor
Supporters of St. Isidore contend that excluding religious institutions from public programs available to secular organizations is unconstitutional religious discrimination. They argue that Oklahoma’s charter school law, which allows private entities to operate publicly funded schools, must apply equally to faith-based applicants. Denying St. Isidore’s charter, they say, treats religion as a disqualifier.
They point to recent Court decisions—Trinity Lutheran, Espinoza, and Carson—where the Court ruled that states cannot withhold public benefits solely because an applicant is religious. They argue St. Isidore is not seeking preferential treatment but simply access to the same opportunity as other charter operators.
Proponents also suggest that allowing religious charter schools could expand educational choice for underserved communities and faith-based families, especially in rural or virtual settings.
Arguments against
Opponents, including the Oklahoma attorney general and several education and civil rights organizations, argue that charter schools are “state actors” — public institutions operating under state authority and oversight. As such, they are subject to constitutional limits on government conduct, including the Establishment Clause, which prohibits state-sponsored religion.
They warn that allowing religious charter schools could blur the distinction between public and private education and invite legal and logistical conflicts over admissions, staffing, curriculum, and student rights. Disability advocates, for example, note that students in public schools are entitled to special education services under federal law — services that may not be guaranteed in a religious setting.
They also argue that a ruling in favor of St. Isidore could destabilize charter school funding models if courts determine that charter schools are no longer public entities entitled to per-pupil funding.
Where the Justices appear to stand
The justices’ questions revealed deep divisions. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted that St. Isidore seeks to do something no other public charter can—teach a religious curriculum while receiving public dollars. Justice Elena Kagan emphasized the state’s control over charters and cautioned against requiring states to fund religious instruction.
In contrast, Justices Alito, Gorsuch, Thomas, and Kavanaugh appeared more open to the school’s claims. Justice Kavanaugh suggested that the state’s denial could exclude faith-based groups from a generally available program, echoing concerns from earlier cases. Justice Alito raised concerns about whether religious minorities would face unfair barriers in similar circumstances.
Chief Justice John Roberts, likely the deciding vote, challenged both sides and did not clearly reveal his position.
Aligned’s Take: A ruling is expected by late June. A decision in favor of St. Isidore could pave the way for religious charter schools nationwide, which may require states to revisit legal frameworks that currently prohibit public funding of sectarian education. A decision against could reaffirm the secular character of public schools and limit participation in charter programs to nonreligious entities. Whatever the outcome, Oklahoma will be the first state to navigate its practical impact.
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With session nearing close, Senate considers open enrollment bill
On Wednesday, the Senate finally brought HB 711 (Pollitt) to the floor for debate. Throughout the process, the bill, which was passed by the House in early March and proposes to establish nonresident student transfer processes between participating school districts, grew to include numerous elementary and secondary education provisions covering everything from the sale of empty school buildings in St. Louis City to requiring schools to have an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) on each campus.
After gaveling in for the day, Senate bill handler Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Greene Co.) kicked off the debate by spending nearly forty-five minutes explaining various components of the substitute and discussing the lengthy process of revision and negotiation between stakeholders, including preparing eleven separate iterations before bringing the bill to the floor.
During discussion, several amendments were distributed by Senators, including one from Sen. Joe Nicola (R-Independence), aligning elections for members of the board of the Independence School District with the general municipal election for a term of three years and exempting districts with a 4-day school week from a requirement to set a school start date within the last two weeks of August. Another amendment from Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) requires the General Assembly to fully fund the state’s education Foundation Formula or school transportation formula for open enrollment to occur, both of which were adopted before the bill was laid over.
The bill now faces an uncertain future as few days remain in the 2025 Legislative Session, and it is unclear whether legislators have enough support to pass such a large bill.
Missouri Launches Workforce of the Future Challenge
Missouri’s economy is feeling the strain of workforce shortages in high-demand fields. Employers across the state—especially in health care, manufacturing, and the skilled trades—are struggling to fill open positions, while students need clearer, more accessible pathways into careers with strong wages and long-term stability.
The Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge was launched to close that gap. Created by Executive Order 25-16 and launched in partnership by the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), the initiative brings state leaders, educators, and industry together to modernize Missouri’s career and technical education (CTE) system.
The state’s most urgent workforce needs include:
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Healthcare: Missouri faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals. The Missouri Health Care Workforce Project collects and reports data on the state's healthcare workforce to support policymakers and planners in understanding current and future trends. Home
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Skilled Trades: Employers report substantial gaps in skilled trades. A 2023 survey found that 65% of Missouri employers identified shortages in patient care and skilled trades, with 55% noting shortages in manufacturing. Missouri Chamber
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Advanced Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a critical component of Missouri's economy, contributing $50 billion annually and employing 287,000 people. However, workforce shortages are a primary challenge, with manufacturers operating at only 73% capacity due to a lack of skilled workers. Missouri Chamber
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Information Technology (IT): IT occupations are among the most in-demand jobs in Missouri. Employment in IT is projected to grow by 14.2% from 2020 to 2030, with over 45,000 online job ads posted in the past year for various IT roles. Missouri Economic Development
At the kickoff meeting in Jefferson City on April 22, nearly 50 stakeholders gathered to align on shared priorities: expanding access to CTE programs, strengthening employer partnerships, promoting early career counseling, and improving tools like Missouri Connections and WorkKeys. Commissioner Karla Eslinger emphasized the importance of equipping students with the real-world skills Missouri employers need.
The challenge also calls for increased collaboration with job centers and a full review of existing CTE programs to identify gaps and remove regulatory barriers. “This is a dynamic group supporting a shared passion: preparing Missouri’s future workforce,” said RJ Catizon of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council.
The group will meet virtually throughout the year and reconvene in Springfield on July 21. DESE will submit an annual report to the Governor by September 30.
Anderson-Barbee to lead Office of Childhood
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently announced that Deidre Anderson-Barbee will serve as the new Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Childhood, effective June 2, 2025.
Anderson-Barbee brings deep experience in early childhood, education, and community development. Most recently, she was executive director of Starting Early, an organization she launched to support providers and parents in expanding access to high-quality, affordable care and education. Before that, she led EarlystART, which delivers arts-integrated early childhood services in Kansas City.
A passionate advocate for children, Anderson-Barbee was named a 2023 NFL Inspire Change Changemaker by the Kansas City Chiefs for her work to elevate the importance of early care and education in her community. She served on the Governor’s Zero-to-Three committee that helped shape the Office of Childhood and co-chaired the Kansas City regional Partners in Quality initiative.
Her earlier roles included director of at-risk programs in the Hickman Mills School District and child welfare worker for the Children’s Division.
Anderson-Barbee holds degrees in Elementary Education and Public Administration. In 2024, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe recognized her as a 2024 Woman of Achievement.
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DESE names new head of finance and administrative services
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announces Dr. Kyle Kruse will serve as the new deputy commissioner of the Division of Financial and Administrative Services. He will assume the position on June 2, 2025. Dr. Kari Monsees, current deputy commissioner, announced his retirement earlier this year, effective June 30, 2025. Drs. Monsees and Kruse will work together during June to allow for a smooth transition.
“With more than 32 years of experience in Missouri public education and 20 years of service as a superintendent, Kyle is clearly committed to improving opportunities for students and schools,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Kyle is well-positioned to step into this important role at the department and we are thrilled that he has agreed to bring his expertise in school finance to DESE.”
Since retiring as superintendent in the St. Clair R-XIII School District in 2024, Dr. Kruse has served as executive director for the Missouri Educators Unified Health Plan and as a lobbyist and legislative advocate for the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Prior to his work in St. Clair R-XIII, he was Superintendent in the New Haven School District and a high school principal in the Osage County R-II School District.
Dr. Kruse earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Missouri State University, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an educational specialist degree in administration from Missouri State University. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.
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Budget
On Tuesday, the Missouri Senate finalized its version of the FY2026 budget, proposing to spend nearly $49.5 billion across the 13 operating budgets for public safety, health, education, social services, transportation, and state government operations. Overall, the Senate budget would spend $1.6 billion more than the House version and $575 million less what was proposed by Governor Mike Kehoe in his January State of the State Address - differences which must be reconciled by a Conference Committee of the House and Senate next week prior to the May 9 Constitutional deadline for passage.
The five-hour marathon approval of the budget saw only a few flash points, notably when Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) attempted to defund state YMCA programming over a recently reported investigation into improper exposure by an individual to a child and later when she attempted to offer an amendment to eliminate funding at the Department of Corrections for the purchase of drugs used for lethal injection of death row inmates. Although senators overall expressed appreciation to Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) for his openness to consider requests for funding throughout the budget process, some Democrat senators did take to the floor to discuss ways the budget could be improved, including additional funding for education and social services programs.
Other significant differences between the House and Senate include:
- The Senate reverted to Governor Kehoe's proposed state employee pay increase, providing state employees a raise of 1% for every two years worked, capped at 10%, double the 5% raise approved by the House.
- Nearly $300 million more than was requested by Governor Kehoe and approved by the House for the state's education funding formula and an elimination of $50 million of General Revenue proposed by the Governor to fund scholarship programs for private school tuition.
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$107 million of new child care funding to shift the child care subsidy program to payments based on enrollment instead of attendance.
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$92.7 million between General Revenue and Federal Funds to pay the judgement costs associated with a lawsuit over a Medicaid software dispute.
- After Governor Kehoe proposed a 1.5% increase for colleges and universities, the House agreed and added $28 million for one-time maintenance and repair, while the Senate proposed an ongoing 3% increase at all public institutions of higher education.
- A cut of $684,000 and 25 full time employees for the Secretary of State's Office.
- Overall the House added 149 items to the budget with a total cost of $295 million, 57 of which were cut by the Senate, totaling $126.3 million, while adding 169 projects at a cost of $441 million.
Both chambers will work together to reconcile differences between their respective versions, and the Senate must pass the remaining three Capital Improvement and APRA spending bills totaling nearly $3.7 billion before the May 9 deadline.
The total operating budget approved by the Senate proposes using around $15.7 billion in general revenue supplemented by a substantial amount of funds from the state's rainy day fund, slightly less than the $16 billion proposed by Governor Kehoe, but still well above the consensus revenue estimate reached in December of 2024.
Appropriators from the Kehoe Administration and the House and Senate projected taking in $13.56 billion for FY26, which begins July 1. However, state revenues are currently down 1.65% for the year. Legislators are considering several proposals that will further reduce revenue, such as eliminating the state's capital gains tax, exempting members of the National Guard from the state's income tax, decreasing the maximum percentage taxed on personal property, and limiting the growth of local property tax revenue to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.
Read more:
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Kansas Update
New report highlights growth and gaps in preschool access
The 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) paints a mixed picture of progress in early childhood education. While national enrollment and spending for state-funded preschool reached historic highs in the 2023–24 school year, persistent gaps in quality, access, and funding remain — especially as federal policy shifts cast uncertainty over programs like Head Start.
Nationwide, enrollment rose to nearly 1.75 million children, a 7% increase from the previous year, and total state spending reached $13.6 billion — both record highs. However, the gains were concentrated in a few states, and many programs continue to serve mainly 4-year-olds with quality that varies dramatically by state.
Kansas snapshot: enrollment holds steady, spending improves
In Kansas, total state-funded preschool enrollment reached 24,236 children, only a slight decrease from the prior year. State spending increased to $110.6 million (including TANF funds), or $4,562 per child, an inflation-adjusted increase of $399. Still, Kansas met only 6 of NIEER’s 10 quality benchmarks, highlighting room for improvement in areas such as staff qualifications and program oversight.
Only five states meet all 10 of NIEER’s benchmarks — Alabama, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi and Rhode Island — and over 2.5 times more children attend programs that meet five or fewer benchmarks than attend higher-quality ones.
Head Start programs play an important role in the state’s early education system. In FY 2024, Kansas Head Start programs served over 6,200 children ages birth to five, supported by more than $90 million in federal funds. Nearly 2,500 Kansans work in Head Start programs across the state, and more than 4,900 parents were able to pursue work or education thanks to the program’s comprehensive family services.
With potential federal budget cuts looming over Head Start, NIEER warns that several states, including Kansas, could see a 10–20% decline in preschool access if these programs are not maintained. In some communities, Head Start represents the only publicly funded early learning option available.
In this moment of fiscal and policy uncertainty, Kansas and the nation face a key decision: whether to double down on early learning investments or risk losing the momentum that has been built over the past two decades.
See where Missouri ranks according to the same report here.
In other news
| | Jim Malle joined the Aligned team in 2024. Pictured left to right: Eric Syverson (Director of Policy - Kansas), Garrett Webb (Consultant), Torree Pederson (President), Linda Rallo (Vice President) and Jim Malle (Director of Policy - Missouri). | | Team Spotlight: Jim Malle, Director of Policy - Missouri | | |
For Jim Malle, strong education policy isn’t just about classrooms—it’s about growing Missouri’s workforce and strengthening its communities. With a background in economic development, Jim brings a practical lens to his work as Aligned’s Director of Policy in Missouri: expanding opportunity by improving how the state educates its kids.
This session, Jim is working with lawmakers to pass an open enrollment bill that will give school districts the option to enroll students outside of their boundaries, to remove the sunset provision on a wildly popular teacher externship program, and to refine reading curricula that ensure that the best modes of instruction are utilized. He is also updating the organization’s regional advisory boards program to improve participation and engagement.
“A lot of folks are surprised to learn this is my first year in education policy,” he says. “But it’s all connected. The future of Missouri’s workforce starts with how we educate our students today.”
One win he’s proud of? Open enrollment legislation being heard on the Senate floor—something that hadn’t happened in years. It’s a promising sign of progress and a reminder that sound policy can gain ground with the right focus.
In the next five years, Jim hopes to see Aligned’s coalition grow even stronger, with more educators, business leaders, and community members working in partnership. “That’s how we move the needle, together.”
When he’s not working on policy, Jim is likely on the golf course or spending time with family and friends. He draws inspiration from Bobby Kennedy, a leader who pushed boundaries and challenged convention.
We’re proud to have Jim’s strategic thinking and commitment on our team.
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K-12 Funding Risk Assessment
In a 30-minute webinar presented this week, the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University outlined the growing financial risks facing K-12 school districts as they prepare budgets for the 2025–2026 school year. The session offered an overview of which federal and state funding streams are secure, which are vulnerable, and how external pressures—like a potential recession or declining enrollment—could shape the future of school operations.
While Title I and IDEA funds remain stable, thanks to bipartisan support and legal protections, other areas like remaining ESSER funds and Medicaid reimbursements carry higher risk. A potential recession could also severely reduce state revenues—jeopardizing K-12 funding, which is 35% and 65% of state funding in Missouri and Kansas respectively.
Districts already grappling with enrollment declines and staff surpluses from the ESSER-fueled hiring boom may face difficult decisions, including layoffs and even school closures. Costs associated with special education and legal compliance under Title VI and Title IX also remain key financial stressors.
To help education leaders navigate this uncertain financial terrain, Aligned and Edunomics Lab are co-hosting a Certificate in Education Finance workshop in Kansas City, June 10–11. This two-day event offers hands-on training in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial strategy to strengthen decision-making and ensure dollars drive student success.
Learn more and register here.
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Upcoming Webinar Series
Aligned is launching a new Education Policy Webinar Series to bring timely, accessible conversations to Missouri and Kansas stakeholders. Each session features a brief presentation from Aligned staff or invited guests, followed by live Q&A. Attendees will receive supporting materials such as briefs or policy reports to continue the conversation beyond the screen.
Special Education Funding in Missouri and Kansas
🗓 Wednesday, May 14 | 12:00–1:00 pm
Gain insight into how special education is funded across federal, state, and local levels — and the challenges districts face in meeting student needs.
Register here.
Additional sessions are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, June 18
- Wednesday, August 13
- Wednesday, September 10
- Wednesday, November 12
Save the dates — and stay tuned for registration links and session topics in upcoming newsletters.
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Torree Pederson
President
torree@wearealigned.org
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Linda Rallo
Vice President
linda@wearealigned.org
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Eric Syverson
Director of Policy
erics@wearealigned.org
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About Aligned
Aligned is the only state-wide non-profit, nonpartisan business group working in Kansas and Missouri on educational issues impacting the full development of our children, from supporting high-quality early learning to solid secondary programs that provide rigorous academic programs and real-world learning opportunities.
Our vision is that our public education systems in Kansas and Missouri have the resources and flexibility to prepare students to pursue the future of their choice.
We are currently focused on education policies that will strengthen early childhood education, teacher recruitment and retention, and school finance reform.
Learn more about our work.
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