MO SB456

Repeals and replaces section 167.131, RSMo, relating to student transfers between school districts, effective immediately as an emergency act.

Students from districts declared unaccredited by the state board of education may transfer to accredited public schools in the same or adjoining county if they were enrolled during the year of the unaccredited declaration or enrolled thereafter, or become newly eligible for kindergarten or first grade after the effective date.

Sending districts must pay tuition at the lesser of the receiving district's nonresident tuition rate or the lesser of both districts' average per-pupil expenditure for the most recently completed year, plus transportation costs.

Receiving districts must establish specific admission criteria by June 30, 2012, prioritizing availability of highly qualified teachers and existing classroom space without requiring employment of additional teachers or construction of new classrooms.

Students accepted from unaccredited districts may complete their educational program in their assigned building even if the home district regains accreditation, but must return to their home district upon transitioning to a different building.