Press Release:
The Santa Fe R-X School District invites residents, patrons, and community leaders from Santa Fe, Sweet Springs, Concordia, Higginsville, Wellington-Napoleon, Lexington, and Marshall to a critical informational event regarding the legislative landscape affecting public education, public services and local rural communities in Missouri.
The event will take place on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Santa Fe High School gymnasium, located at 108 N. Mitchell, Alma, MO 64001.
Keynote Address: The Preservation of Rural Schools and Communities. The evening will feature Duane Martin as the keynote speaker. Mr. Martin will provide an in-depth analysis of Missouri’s public policy agenda and the diversion of funds from rural public schools to various programs, marginalizing rural schools and communities.
Panel Discussion: Marginalization of Rural Communities. Following the keynote, a panel of area superintendents (local legislators and community leaders have also been invited) will lead a discussion on current legislation and public policy. The panel aims to shed light on how recent tax legislation and shifting state priorities may harm not only rural public schools but the essential public services that support rural life.
“Rural local schools are the backbone of our rural communities; the decisions being made today—from the policy agenda by leadership in Jefferson City and the litany of Bills that are harmful to rural schools and their communities, to the rewriting of the Missouri Public School Foundation Formula and the proposed elimination of "Hold Harmless"; provisions—will fundamentally reshape the future of Rural Missouri. It is vital that our patrons understand the long-term effects.”
-Derek Lark, Superintendent, Santa Fe R-X
Why This Matters
Missouri is currently considering significant revisions to the public school foundation (funding) formula that could remove safety nets for smaller districts. The elimination of "hold harmless" protections threatens to leave rural schools with significantly less state support, forcing difficult decisions that affect student opportunities and community stability. Additionally, various Bills are being debated by the legislature that would reshape funding for public services, to include public education, fire protection districts and other essential services for rural communities.
Event Details
What: Regional Community Informational Event: Policy/Legislation & Public Education/Essential Rural Services
When: March 24, 2026, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: Santa Fe High School, 108 N. Mitchell, Alma, MO 64001
Who: Open to all patrons of the Santa Fe, Sweet Springs, Concordia, Higginsville, Wellington-Napoleon, Lexington, and Marshall communities.
All area residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about these critical local issues.
Questions? Contact: Santa Fe R-X School District (660) 674-2238
Website: www.santafechiefs.k12.mo.us