New Missouri Laws Bring Big Changes to Area Schools

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Superintendents respond to state mandates on cell phones, substitute teachers, and homeschoolers

School leaders across Northeast Missouri are preparing for several statewide changes that will impact classroom routines, staffing flexibility, and student participation in extracurricular activities. Recently signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe, three new measures aim to improve student focus, address teacher shortages, and expand access to school programs. NEMOnews Media Group asked area superintendents shared their thoughts on how these laws will affect their districts and how they plan to comply.

The first and perhaps most immediate change is a statewide ban on student cell phone use during the school day. Missouri now requires districts to implement a written “bell-to-bell” phone policy, meaning students cannot use or display phones from the start of classes to dismissal, including lunch, hallway time, and breaks. Exceptions are allowed for emergency situations, medical needs like blood sugar monitoring, or students with special education accommodations.

Clark County Superintendent Lyndel Whittle said the change will help eliminate distractions that keep students from engaging in class. “Rather than being actively involved in learning, many kids focus on their phones instead,” Whittle said, adding that his previous district saw positive results from a similar policy. “Most importantly, that distraction was eliminated.”

Knox County Superintendent Alex Van Delft agreed, noting that the ban should help students improve communication skills and create a more focused learning environment. “The banning of cell phones from bell to bell will help students stay more engaged in their classwork, build stronger communication and collaboration skills with their peers, and minimize distractions throughout the day,” he said.

Palmyra Superintendent Jason Harper acknowledged it may take time for students and parents to adapt, especially since many families are used to texting during the day. “It may cause a significant increase in phone traffic through our offices as parents are used to texting their children instructions and information throughout the day,” he said. Still, he sees long-term benefits: “If we can even slightly increase conversation and social skills for our student body, it will be a big benefit.”

Scotland County Superintendent Ryan Bergeson said the law should not bring major changes for his district. “Scotland County Schools already had a ban on cell phone usage in the classrooms so this bill should not change things too much for us going forward,” he said.

Shelby County R-IV Superintendent Billy Daleske noted that many districts had already moved toward tighter restrictions in recent years. “I think the law will help solidify the position of those districts,” he said. He added that Shelby County’s existing phone policy aligns closely with the new requirements and will be updated with guidance from the district’s policy service.

The second law provides staffing relief by extending a program that allows retired teachers to substitute without losing retirement benefits. Originally set to expire this year, the program will now continue through 2030. This change is seen as a major advantage for rural schools, where finding qualified substitutes has become increasingly difficult.

“This is good news,” said Whittle. “It’s very difficult to find all the substitutes you need. To be able to continue using retired teachers helps to ease that shortage.”

Harper echoed that sentiment, calling retired teachers “invaluable.” He added, “You can’t replace the experience retired teachers have, and in general observation I always feel like they really enjoy coming back to work. They wouldn’t do it if they didn’t.”

Van Delft said retired teachers are a vital part of his district’s substitute pool. “Their experience and training are incredibly valuable. At a time when finding qualified substitutes is increasingly difficult, expanding the pool to include more retired professionals helps ensure continuity in student learning and higher instructional quality.”

Bergeson also praised the extension. “Scotland County Schools relies heavily on retired teachers serving as substitute teachers so this is a welcomed change for our school district.”

Daleske agreed and emphasized that the policy extension won’t create new administrative burdens. “Many rural school districts rely heavily on retired teachers to provide high quality substitutes for our students. This will allow them to continue to provide that to districts without hurting their retirement.”

The third major change, which takes effect in August 2025, will give homeschooled students the right to participate in MSHSAA-sanctioned sports and extracurricular activities at their local public schools. Under the new law, schools must allow eligible homeschool students who live within the district to try out for teams and clubs, even if they are not enrolled in any classes at the public school.

Whittle said Clark County will eliminate its current requirement that homeschool students attend two classes in order to participate. “Those students are still required to show that they are ‘full-time’ in whatever program they are using,” he said. “The law requires only that we offer the opportunity to participate. It does not mandate any preferential treatment.”

Harper said Palmyra will also adjust its two-class requirement but noted that participation in co-curriculars like FFA or choir will still require class enrollment. “Family-placed, homeschool, and virtual students who live in our district footprint will have the opportunity to participate in MSHSAA activities without attending classes at Palmyra R-1, but they will have to be deemed eligible through proof of academic progress,” he said.

Van Delft said the new law marks a change for Knox County, which previously did not allow homeschool students to participate in activities. “We will follow the updated eligibility and participation rules set by MSHSAA to ensure we are in compliance,” he said, adding that all students will be expected to meet academic and conduct standards.

Bergeson confirmed that Scotland County will also adjust its policies. “This bill does change the policy for access to programs at Scotland County for homeschool students,” he said. “We are following policy guidance via MSHSAA and plan to adjust and comply with the recently updated requirements.”

Daleske said Shelby County will do the same. “As members of MSHSAA, we will follow the guidance they provide us in accordance with the law,” he said.

Altogether, the new state laws are designed to improve student focus, strengthen staffing, and expand extracurricular access. While implementation will vary slightly from district to district, local superintendents expressed overall support for the changes and emphasized the importance of clear communication, consistency, and cooperation with families in making these transitions successful.