State lawmakers considering whether to revamp or replace the current school funding formula have heard from an economist who proposes a drastic change. Former University of Missouri professor Ed Robb wants the current system scrapped. He says relying on property taxes dooms the current funding formula, pointing out the state’s richest school district has 17 times the assessed property valuation the state’s poorest district has. Robb proposes either eliminating the property tax entirely or reducing it greatly in favor of a flat personal income tax that he says would make up the difference. A committee is taking testimony about the state school funding formula. It plans to present a proposal to the full legislature next year.
