Show submenu for Home
Show submenu for District
Show submenu for Departments
Show submenu for Parents/Students
Staff
Show submenu for Job Openings
Show submenu for Enrollment
Show submenu for
A Southwest Conference graphic featuring the MSHSAA logo above the words “SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE” in a central white circle. Surrounding the circle are the logos and mascots of member schools, including a tiger, pirate, wildcat, bear, eagle, cardinal, hornet, and other team emblems, displayed against a light background.

Conference Message Regarding Gov. Kehoe's A-F Report Cards

Diamond School District

October 24, 2026

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

Southwest Conference logo with logos from member schools surrounding.

October 23rd, 2026

Dear Staff, Parents, and Community Members,

In the coming days, the state will release preliminary letter grades for public schools across Missouri. As the superintendents of the Southwest Conference, we believe leadership requires transparency. We want our staff, families, and communities to hear directly from us regarding this new system, what it accurately reflects, and the serious concerns we share.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is launching its first pilot A–F grading system for public schools, established by an executive order signed by Governor Kehoe in January. To understand this rollout, our communities should be aware of three critical facts:

  • Every school district and school building will be assigned a single letter grade.

  • This grading system is in addition to the state’s existing Annual Performance Report; not a replacement.

  • The metric is built almost exclusively on standardized test scores.

It is critical to emphasize that this grade is a pilot. This marks the first year of a new state system using performance data from the 2024–2025 school year. We expect this framework to shift over time, meaning local grades will likely change. The A–F framework currently rests on an executive order and action by the State Board of Education, not on state law. While we welcome accountability, we have shared our professional concerns with the state regarding the rushed timeline used to develop this system. We will continue to advocate for a fair, comprehensive evaluation process. Standardized tests are a single, narrow snapshot—they do not define our schools.

Ultimately, no state-assigned rating can replace your knowledge as a parent. You know your child’s teachers, their classroom environment, and the real progress they make every day. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child achieve their full educational potential. Whether navigating a letter grade or any other mandate issued from Jefferson City, our mission does not waver. Our commitment remains fixed on our local systems and the community priorities we have established to support student success.

Our public schools serve every child who walks through our doors, without exception. We welcome students with very different needs, life circumstances, and starting points. This open-door responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it is why a single letter can never capture the true scope of a school or the dedication of the educators who choose to serve there.

Our public schools are the foundation of a prosperous future for our communities, and that foundation is built on local trust, not state labels. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We will keep you informed throughout this process.

Your Partners in Education,

The Superintendents of the Southwest Conference