Education tops Mo. legislative agenda

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Teacher evaluations, accountability and tenure could be on the docket when Republicans take control of the Missouri Legislature.

   House Speaker Tim Jones says he wants to enact changes in the state's education system. He says increased funding alone has not been enough to boost school performance.

   Missouri lawmakers return Jan. 9 to the state Capitol for a session that runs through mid-May. Republicans have expanded their majority in the state House, and a unified GOP caucus now can override a gubernatorial veto without Democratic support.

   Senator David Pearce has led the Senate's education committee. He is renewing efforts to eliminate a two-year waiting period before the state can intervene in school districts that lose accreditation.