A state representative proposes pumping more money into the school funding formula, questioning the governor’s insistence that education is his number one priority. Rep. Joe Aull (D-Marshall) takes exception with Republican insistence that the school funding formula is fully funded. He says he disagrees with Governor Blunt’s assessment that the legislature has fully met its requirements to fund public schools. Aull argues the formula is not fully funded, because the old formula remains partially in effect as the new formula is phased in. Aull wants a two percent increase in the old formula each of the next five years; an $82 million appropriation in the first year alone. He says school districts would have to use the new money for new services. Aull denies his measure is merely a shot at the governor or even a thinly veiled support of those who claim the new formula falls far short of what schools need. Aull says he believes the school funding formula is $800 million short of full funding. He says the state doesn’t have that kind of money, but needs to close the gap. A lawsuit against the new school funding formula is being tried in Cole County Circuit Court in Jefferson City. Aull, a former school superintendent, says he feels like the public is being misled by those who insist the schools are being fully funded.
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