NEA OFFICAL LAUDS TEACHER TRAINING PLAN

POPLAR BLUFF -- A provision in Missouri's new state school funding package that guarantees money for teacher training was lauded by an official of the Missouri National Education Association Wednesday.

E.C. Walker, government relations director for the M-NEA, spoke about Missouri's new school funding formula with about a dozen teachers at Poplar Bluff High School Wednesday.

Walker told teachers that in his years working with the legislature the reform requiring school districts to spend at least 1 percent of state aid on teacher training is one of the few proposals that really makes sense.

The formula, however, is "confusing," Walker told teachers.

In January, Circuit Judge Byron Kinder ruled Missouri's system of funding public schools inequitable and inadequate. The state legislature last month approved the Outstanding Schools Act in hopes of correcting those problems.

Despite the new formula, Walker believes Missouri will go ahead with its Supreme Court appeal. He predicted that the high court would uphold Kinder's decision regarding equity and adequacy, but would not allow Kinder to retain jurisdiction over the case.

"Other scenarios could happen," Walker said. "Your guess is as good as mine."

He added, "It's not over yet."