Message from MNEA President Rebeka McIntosh

Rebeka McIntosh

It has been a privilege to start the year with you. MNEA members have demonstrated remarkable professional commitment and are moving public education forward across the state.  

Our lawsuit to block $51 million in direct state funding from being diverted to private school vouchers is proceeding. On August 25th, Judge Stumpe (Cole County Circuit Court) denied the State’s motion to dismiss the case. We will have our day in court.  

MNEA is standing up to defend our public schools against politicians and privatization lobbyists because it is unconstitutional to use the budget process to create new programs, and the Treasurer has no authority to direct general revenue to this private school voucher scheme.

Our union is the only education organization challenging the state’s actions. 

We know that siphoning off public funds means larger classes and fewer teachers in our public schools. It means less of everything for our rural schools. That is why MNEA continues to take the lead in defending Missouri’s public schools, students, and employees.

Giving taxpayer dollars to private schools that can reject students for any reason is wrong and our union is standing up. Sign on here to show your support for our case.  

Our union is also standing up for educators who come under scrutiny for expressing personal opinions on social media platforms. Educators take great pride in their responsibility as role models for our students. With that responsibility comes the understanding of which topics are appropriate for classroom discussion and public platforms. No educators should be bullied or intimidated for exercising their free speech rights as private citizens. Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment, and every educator deserves to work without fear.

I’m so glad to be working side-by-side with every one of you as we tackle the important education, labor, and political issues ahead. Here's to a productive year as we advocate together for our students and our profession, powered by the collective action and solidarity that defines our union.