VIENNA — Superintendent Teresa Messersmith shared concerns about state funding on July 30 with the Maries County R-1 Board of Education.

Due to state budget cuts, the school district has received less money than previous years for certain funds. As a result, Messersmith recommended being conservative with the budget.

“I foresee serious challenges on the horizon for public education,” she said.

The school district received $89,054.51 from the classroom trust fund for July, less than the $111,159.93 received in July 2025. Messersmith said that one of the reasons for that drop was lower attendance numbers. The district can use either of the last two school years, whichever is higher.

Messersmith said another reason was the financial reduction to the State Adequacy Target, the baseline for providing an adequate education, from $7,145 to $6,900 per student per year.

However, because of budget cuts, the state is only paying out $6,750 with the aim to increase funding by the end of the year. Messersmith also said that the foundation formula was $190 million short.

The district received $18,036 in transportation funding, compared to $19,813 in July 2025. This is because the K-12 transportation funding was cut by $17 million.

As for the Missouri Quality Prekindergarten (MOQPK) grants, Messersmith said that she applied but because of a $1 million decrease, the district has been waitlisted and would likely not receive the funding. The school received about $88,000 for the 2025-26 school year.

However, Messersmith added that preschool has received the grant the past couple years and has “stocked up” on supplies. Messersmith said that school will purchase fewer supplies and will cover salaries with other funds in the budget.

Messersmith also mentioned uncertainties regarding property tax bills and redesigning the state’s funding formula. She said it will be a challenge when state-mandated salary increases go into effect for the 2028-29 school year.

In other business, the board approved a bid for AA Propane for $1.08 per gallon.

The board also approved its professional development plan, the district testing schedule, and its contract with the Central Methodist University for dual-credit courses.

Before ending the meeting, the board approved hiring the following new hires:

• Amber Fawcett, paraprofessional

• Ayla Russell, paraprofessional

• Amanda Duncan, paraprofessional

• Ralf Trusty, elementary teacher

• Tammy Allen, elementary teacher

A tax rate hearing is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 25, followed by a 6 p.m. board meeting.