MO SB898

Creates a new type of special district called an "early education district" that can be established in Missouri counties with more than one million inhabitants (St. Louis County) to provide free public prekindergarten programs for four-year-olds

Requires voter approval through petition (5% of votes cast in recent school board elections) followed by majority vote at a general municipal election to establish the district

Authorizes an initial property tax rate of up to 52 cents per $100 assessed valuation, with additional increases possible through voter approval

Establishes a seven-member elected board of education with three-year terms (staggered initially), possessing similar powers to seven-director school districts including authority to hire staff, adopt budgets, and partner with existing schools

Districts would receive state aid based on weighted average daily attendance, special education funding, and teacher salary supplements, with teachers eligible for career pay supplements and state retirement benefits