JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A proposed state constitutional amendment would bar tenure for Missouri’s school teachers.

The proposed initiative petition was filed Tuesday with the secretary of state’s office. It could appear before voters in November if supporters gather between 147,000 and 160,000 signatures from supporters.

Under the measure, school districts that receive state funding or local tax revenue could not enter into more than 3-year contracts with teachers. Schools would be barred from receiving public funding if seniority plays any role in determining whether to fire or promote teachers.

In addition, every school district would be required to use local performance standards for salary and hiring and firing decisions. Most of the local standards would need to be based upon student performance that is measured with objective criteria.

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