Tell Missouri Lawmakers: Keep Student Activities and Programs Governed by Missouri Schools

Missouri student activities and programs have been successfully governed by member schools for 100 years. Today, more than 700 public, private, and charter schools voluntarily participate in MSHSAA, working together to create fair, consistent opportunities for student participants and their families across the state.

New legislation being considered in Jefferson City would replace this school-driven model with a politically appointed structure – taking what is now a private, not-for-profit membership organization that does not receive direct funding or appropriations from the State of Missouri, and making it a government-controlled entity headed by political appointees.

Missouri schools should continue working together to govern student activities and programs without unnecessary government control or political influence.

Please take a moment to contact your lawmakers and encourage them to oppose Senate Bill 863.

Dear [Lawmaker],

As your constituent and a supporter of Missouri student activities and programs, I respectfully urge you to oppose legislation that would transfer governance of student activities from MSHSAA’s participating member schools to a state-controlled model.

For a century, Missouri schools have voluntarily worked together through MSHSAA to create consistent eligibility standards, safety protocols, and fair participation opportunities for students across our state.

This model ensures that decisions affecting student participation are made through rules adopted by the schools that choose to participate rather than through political appointment or legislative involvement in individual eligibility or participation disputes.

Student eligibility, transfer decisions, and activity participation questions often involve sensitive, complex, and highly individualized circumstances. Missouri’s current structure allows these decisions to be handled through consistent statewide standards rather than shifting those issues into political or governmental arenas.

MSHSAA does not receive direct funding or appropriations from the State of Missouri and operates as a voluntary membership organization supported through activity registration fees paid by participating schools, which are frequently funded through local activity revenues such as ticket sales.

Senate Bill 863 would fundamentally change how Missouri student activities and programs are governed. I respectfully ask that you protect Missouri’s long-standing school-driven activities model and oppose Senate Bill 863.

Thank you for your service to our state and for considering the voices of constituents in your service to our community.

Sincerely,
______

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