SB 472 - This act makes many general revisions to school laws. Twenty sections are revised with primarily technical changes and thirty-nine sections are repealed. The sections affected generally contain detailed requirements pertaining to the establishment and operation of schools and school districts. This act is similar to the perfected version of SB 780 from 1998, except that sections 160.522, 163.011, 163.021, 164.161, 165.011, 167.275, 168.221 and 171.031 are not revised by this act.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS - Current law requires the State Board of Education to adopt academic performance standards. The act requires that at least one of the performance standards shall require that no student shall be promoted to a higher grade level unless that student has a reading ability at or above one grade level below the student's grade level.

LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS - If there are more than three vacancies on a seven-director board, the vacancies shall be filled by the county commission, rather than the remaining members of the board. The act requires certain school districts to allow all pupils not entitled to free instruction to attend school on the same basis upon payment of tuition, including pupils whose parents are teachers or regular employees of the district. This provision applies to certain districts, currently including only Lee's Summit R-VII. This provision is the same as SB 187.

Superintendent's contracts (except in St. Louis City) may be for a term of up to three years. The act removes the requirement that the superintendent for St. Louis City school district shall post a bond of no less than $50,000.

Districts may purchase sites and facilities in another district with the approval of both school boards. Properties outside the school district may not be leased. Sale, purchase and lease of property may be made upon a vote of the majority of the board. Bidding requirements for construction of facilities may be waived in an emergency. Bidding requirements for construction of facilities in St. Louis City school district may be waived in an emergency. The minimum project amount requiring a bid is raised to $12,500.

SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS - The act removes the requirements for prior hearing and notice for suspension of pupils with felony violations. A teacher or principal may require a child to be examined and may exclude children with contagious diseases from attending school. The act removes restrictions on the price of school lunch. Current law provides that lunch may not be sold under cost, with certain exceptions.

The act removes the requirement that all school bus drivers shall give a performance bond. Capital expenses for transportation shall be made from the capital projects fund, not the operating funds.

To be eligible for programs for developmentally delayed and at-risk three- and four-year-olds, a child shall be at least three years of age on August first.
OTTO FAJEN