Area educators urge Gov. Parson to veto SB 727

Webb City Superintendent Tony Rossetti is among a group of Southwest Missouri education leaders asking Gov. Mike Parson to veto the wide-ranging Senate Bill 727.

Although there are worthy aspects of SB 727, such as raising teacher pay, Rossetti says it redirects money from public education to voucher programs. He spoke against the bill during the last meeting of the Webb City R-7 School Board, during which Jason Woodmansee, board president, was selected to fill a new position as the board’s legislative liaison.

Despite objections, SB 727 has been approved by the House and Senate and awaits Parson’s signature.

A letter to Parson seeking his veto of SB 727 was released this week by the Webb City R-7 School District.

In addition to Rossetti, the letter is signed by Melissa Massey, executive director of the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence, and Kerry Sachetta, superintendent of the Joplin R-8 School District.