Cole County Judge denies temporary restraining order in school choice case

Marie Moyer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County Judge Brian Stumpe on Monday denied the temporary restraining order the Missouri National Education Association sought against House Bill 12, which would give $50 million to the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program for families to use on private school tuition.

The MOScholars program will give families of children with special needs or in low-income areas scholarships to access alternative schooling opportunities and educational resources.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for parents and kids across Missouri,” Attorney General Bailey said in a statement Monday. “Missouri continues to fund public education at record levels. But for children who need something different, whether due to special needs, safety concerns, or failing districts, scholarships like these are lifelines.”

Opponents of the legislation are concerned that the scholarship would pull students away from public schools, hindering funding. The state funds public schools using a per-pupil formula.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek plans a news conference regarding the decision at 3:30 p.m.

“MOScholars is about giving parents the freedom to choose the educational path that best fits their child’s needs,” Malek said.” That freedom should never be taken away — not by bureaucrats, and certainly not by union bosses.”

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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