The commments came from Senator Gary Nodler after the Missouri Education Commissioner hinted that the school district would fail to meet state academic standards again this year, which could trigger a state takeover.

But Nodler says that while the district needs help, a state takeover is not the state's main objective.

In a provision of the 1999 desegregation settlement, the state has the authority to establish its own transitional governing body for the district if it fails to meet state academic standards for two consecutive years.

So far, the state has created an advisory committee to investigate the school district and its shortcomings due to release its findings in December.

In Jefferson City, I'm Robbie Fisher.