Mo. Senate OKs merging state education boards

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Senate has passed the second of two constitutional amendments to merge the state's education boards.

The plan would combine the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the Department of Higher Education. The new single agency would be led by a six-member state board.

The changes require two constitutional amendments. Senators passed the first one last week and on Tuesday, they voted 30-2 to approve the second. Both constitutional amendments must still be approved by the House and then go before voters.

Missouri's higher education board has endorsed the idea. But the Missouri School Boards Association voted Saturday to oppose the merger. It says there needs to be more study of possible effects.

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Education proposal is SJR44 and SJR45.

On the Net:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov