SIKESTON -- Sikeston R-6 will continue its membership in the lawsuit that challenges the state's funding formula on the argument it's inequitable and inadequate.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the board approved its membership fee with the Committee for Educational Equality in the amount of $3,705.09.
"As you know we have been involved in this since its inception, and just recently -- I'm going to say the first step of the courts -- found the ruling in favor of the state -- that they were providing the education necessary," said Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Steve Borgsmiller.
However, it's not over, Borgsmiller said. A hearing for additional arguments on exactly what state revenues should be included or excluded in that calculation is set for Sept. 20.
"Our real goal is to get this to the Missouri Supreme Court and have them rule on whatever issues are outstanding at that point and time," Borgsmiller said.
The district's total outlay for its portion of the effort is net less than $25,000, Borgsmiller said.
"I would anticipate, depending upon whether all 231 members of this effort stay in tact, that this could possibly be our last assessment, taking us all the way to Supreme Court appeal," Borgsmiller said, adding this is the district's eighth assessment.
In other business Tuesday, the board approved the 2007-2008 tuition rate of $6,081. This figure is based on the annual Secretary of the Board Report, which was filed by the state on Aug. 15. and is $72 higher than the previous year's rate, according to Lori Boardman, board treasurer and Sikeston R-6 director of business services.
Also, the superintendent presented Ron Hampton, R-6 director of transportation, with a plaque from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education honoring the transportation department with the Exemplary School Bus Maintenance Award.
The award commended the transportation department for its compliance of at least 90 percent for 10 years of Missouri's school bus regulations and safety standards.
"Having a 90 percent rate like that for 10 years is very remarkable," Borgsmiller said.
Hampton noted the districts runs 20 buses on a regular basis every day. "I think it's all the more impressive because we own and operate our own buses," said board president Paul Boyd.
Districtwide enrollment for the new school year is 3,663 students -- about 100 students less compared to the same time last year, Borgsmiller said.