Missouri lawmakers near agreement on student transfer bill

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Legislative negotiators are close to a consensus on how to fix issues with Missouri's flawed student transfer system.

The current system requires failing districts to pay for students who choose to attend better-performing schools. That policy has meant financial hardship for some districts.

The heart of the bill is a measure to require students to first switch to better buildings within their district, which might perform well even if the district as a whole struggles.

That's aimed at keeping students and tuition dollars in their home district.

The tentative agreement reached Thursday would delay implementing the full-scale plan as the State Board of Education works out how to gauge school quality by building.

A final agreement is expected Monday. That proposal will need approval from the full House and Senate.