DESE Update: March 10, 2026

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 03/10/2026 02:00 PM CDT

New Safety Requirements Under Senate Bill 68

During the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 68 became law and includes new safety requirements for Missouri local education agencies (LEAs). This memo outlines the Stop the Bleed protocol and guidance for implementing a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

Click here to read the full Administrative Memo regarding Senate Bill 68, which included safety related measures for Missouri local education agencies (LEAs).

Notice of Public Hearing on a computer screen

News Release: DESE-MVR Seeks Public Input for Goals and Priorities

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (MVR) is seeking public feedback on improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. Public hearings will be held virtually March 17 and 18.

Click here to read the full news release regarding DESE-MVR seeking public feedback on improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

Share Your Experience with SHOW-ME ECHO

Join the SHOW-ME ECHO session “Autism: Behavior Solutions in Schools” from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 16, featuring a presentation on Behavioral Skills Training and collaborative case discussion.

Participants are encouraged to submit cases and share challenges or experiences with peers and experts. Sessions are held every first and third Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. and are free to attend.

Click here to submit a case and to learn more about SHOW-ME ECHO.

Afterschool Grant Applications Open

Missouri school-age afterschool programs can apply for two competitive grants through the Office of Childhood’s Afterschool Program. Applications are due by 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Available grants:
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
• School Age Community (SAC)

Click here to read the full Administrative Memo for afterschool grant application details, guidelines, and additional information.

2026-27 Missouri Career Development & Teacher Excellence Plan

The 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan (Career Ladder Program) application will open April 1, 2026, and are due April 30, 2026.

To apply for the 2026-27 school year, each district must submit a new or revised District Career Ladder Plan that includes a current plan date, revised due dates, and a current approval date by the district's board of education.

Click here to learn more about the 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

	Questions? Contact Us		STAY CONNECTED:
	SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences \| Unsubscribe \| Help