Mo. House, Senate pass $2 million to keep Normandy open this year

The funding is part of the fiscal year 2014 supplemental budget bill, which was sent to a conference committee because of differences between the House and Senate versions.

Initially, the House endorsed the $5 million recommended by Nixon to keep Normandy afloat for the rest of the year, but when the bill made its way to the Senate, it appeared Normandy would need much less to stay open: $350,000 and a possible $1.1 million in tuition payments to other districts. So, the Senate dropped the amount to $1.5 million.

The House, however, did not agree with the Senate's figure. The Senate and the House formed a conference committee to work out this and other differences in the bill.

Without the assistance, Normandy likely would run out of money before the end of the school year and its students would be sent to other districts. Normandy has about 3,000 students and 1,000 more who decided to transfer.

Normandy was financially solvent and stable prior to last summer’s state Supreme Court ruling that upheld the transfer law, which allows children in unaccredited school districts to transfer to better schools at their home district's expense. But the resulting $1.3 million in monthly tuition and transportation expenses has the district spending down its savings.

Lawmakers have previously voiced their wariness about offering up money to keep Normandy's doors open, because it would set a precedent.

Also included in this bill is about $22 million for the Foundation Formula, which funds the state's K-12 public schools. This number is half of Nixon's recommendation to make up for the $44.1 million shortfall in riverboat gaming, lottery and other revenues. The bill also provides $69 million to replace a shortfall in tobacco settlement payments to the state.

Additionally, the bill includes $3 million for the Utilicare program, which provides fuel and utility assistance to low-income residents. This is $500,000 lower than Nixon's request, made through an amendment to the bill as a harsh winter pounded the state.

The bill is HB 2014.