Lawmakers examining unaccredited Mo. schools

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers are looking at how to handle children who attend school in the state's unaccredited school districts.

A special joint legislative committee examined the issue Wednesday at the state Capitol. The committee planned additional meetings later this fall in St. Louis and Kansas City. One of the joint committee's leaders said lawmakers want to hear suggestions and could submit recommendations before the next legislative session starts in January.

Two Missouri school districts are unaccredited. In 2007, the Riverview Gardens School District in the St. Louis-area and St. Louis Public Schools each lost state accreditation.

Last week, the state's Board of Education voted to revoke the accreditation of the Kansas City School District effective Jan. 1.