MO SB601

Repeals sections 168.221 and 168.291 of Missouri law and enacts a single new section 168.221 governing employment of teachers in metropolitan school districts.

Establishes a five-year probationary period for new teachers, during which appointments expire at the end of each school year and unsatisfactory teachers can be dismissed with written notice and one semester to improve.

Changes the notice requirement for incompetency or inefficiency dismissals from one semester to thirty days prior to presentment of charges, and requires the superintendent and teacher to meet and confer to attempt resolution.

Permits permanent teachers to be placed on leave of absence without pay in inverse order of appointment when necessary due to insufficient funds or decreased enrollment, with reinstatement rights for up to three years unless extended by the board.

Allows permanent teachers to voluntarily give up permanent appointment status to participate in the teacher choice compensation package under sections 168.745 to 168.750.