Two bills to be heard next week at the Missouri Capitol involve changes to the St. Joseph School District board election procedures. Rep. Delus Johnson, R-St. Joseph, is asking St. Joseph area residents to travel to Jefferson City and give testimony on the bills.

“The people of St. Joseph have an opportunity to let their voices be heard at the State Capitol.” Johnson said.

The first bill, House Bill 1127, will be heard this Monday, March 16, before the House Emerging Issues in Education committee. The committee hearing will be held in House Hearing Room 1 in the basement of the Missouri Capitol at 12:00PM.

“House Bill 1127 simply reduces St. Joseph School District board terms from six years to three years and reduces the number of signatures required to run for school board from 750 to 100.” Johnson said.

The second bill, House Bill 1029, will be heard this Tuesday, March 17, at 8:15AM before the House Elections committee. The Elections committee will meet in House Hearing Room 5, also located in the basement of the Missouri Capitol.

“House Bill 1029 is much more technical in nature. It not only reduces board terms from 6 years to 3 years, but completely eliminates the requirement to obtain signatures to run for school board. House Bill 1029 also implements recall procedures for board members, requires board vacancies to be appointed by the Buchanan County Commission, and contains an emergency clause which allows the law to take effect immediately when signed by the Governor.

Representative Johnson will be presenting both bills. Committees run about two hours.

“If you can travel to Jefferson City on Monday or Tuesday you can be part of the legislative process.” Johnson stated.

Johnson added residents that testify should keep comments to about 3-5 minutes and each person will be asked to complete a simple witness testimony form at the time of the hearing.

“If you have any questions or need instructions on how to testify in front of a committee please call me on my cell phone at 816-390-2267.” Johnson said.

The state audit released last month found many instances of questionable use of district money, including approximately $40 million in stipend payments over 14 years, and a general lack of financial control. The district’s “poor” rating indicates that the issues uncovered by the state auditor’s office need “immediate attention” to “significantly improve operations”. Johnson noted that St. Joseph is the only school district in Missouri to receive a “poor” rating in the past several years.