Proposal seeks to end Missouri teacher tenure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A proposed state constitutional amendment would prohibit tenure for Missouri teachers.

The initiative was filed Tuesday with the secretary of state's office and could appear before voters in November.

Under the measure, school districts receiving public funding could not enter into new contracts with teachers for a term of more than three years. Schools would be barred from receiving public funding if seniority plays any role in determining whether to fire or promote teachers.

Districts would be required to use local performance standards for employment decisions that consider student performance.

Supporters say measure would improve education, but a teachers union says proposals should empower teachers and not undermine them. A state school board group says it supports replacing teacher tenure but prefers statutory changes, not a constitutional amendment.