Building History Snapshot

• 1964: Original structure built
• 1985: New classrooms and media center added to existing building
• 2008: Addition for classrooms, entrance and offices
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room and Gymnasium

Principal Testimonial

“I am beyond grateful for the community members who served on the Long Range Facilities Committee and how they took the time to thoughtfully and diligently walk through each building to help identify priority upgrades for our older elementary schools. These improvements would provide the space and resources we need to ensure our students have the same opportunities as those in our district’s newer buildings, both today and in the future. Our hallways and classrooms are filled with students who represent the future of Joplin, and we know it takes all of us working together to support their growth and success. We are excited about what opportunities these improvements would bring for our students, staff, and teachers!”

Tylan Harris, Eastmorland Principal

Building History Snapshot

• 1953: Orginal school constructed
• 1985: Library addition
• 2008: Addition constructed
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room & Gymnasium

Building History Snapshot

• 1985: Original building constructed to replace Alcott & Lafayette Schools
• 2006: Addition constructed
• 2011: Renovations to 4 restrooms, hallway tile, classroom carpet, office, windows and HVAC due to tornado damage
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room and Gymnasium

Building History Snapshot

• 1965: Building originally constructed
• 1985: Library addition
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room and Gymnasium
• 2021: Addition for Kindergarten

Building History Snapshot

• 1906: Original Jefferson Elementary Constructed (no part of this original construction remains today)
• 1954: Kitchen and Cafeteria added to old Jefferson building
• 1964: Addition constructed
• 1985: Old Jefferson building razed to make way for new construction. Only Kitchen, Cafeteria, and the 1964 addition remained before new construction began.
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room & Gymnasium
• 2015: Restroom renovation, carpet remodel, art room addition
• 2016: Special Needs classrooms added in cafeteria area

Parent Testimonial

“My kids have attended McKinley Elementary since kindergarten. We absolutely LOVE the school. The teachers and staff are fantastic and show so much care to every student. While the staff at McKinley is incredible, everyone would benefit greatly from continued building improvement. Creating spaces that foster deeper learning adds incalculable value to our students, our community, and our future.”

- Christine Landis, parent

Building History Snapshot

• 1907: Original McKinley Elementary constructed. Became East Junior High School in 1927; razed in 1979, leaving only the gymnasium intact.
• 1955: New McKinley Elementary constructed, attached to gymnasium.
• 1985: Library addition
• 2008: Addition constructed
• 2014: Addition for Community Safe Room and Gymnasium

Principal Testimonial

“Royal Heights has been the heart of our community since 1918, serving generations of students for more than 107 years. Today, that same spirit of dedication is stronger than ever—but our beloved school is truly stretched to its limits. Every single space is thoughtfully and fully used from bell to bell: art comes alive in the gym, music fills the library, the counselor supports students from behind the stage, and teachers and support staff work together in shared spaces to ensure every child receives the services they need. Even with limited parking and daily challenges during arrival, dismissal, and events, our staff and families continue to show incredible support to all of our students. With the continued support of our amazing community, expanding and updating Royal Heights will allow us to honor its rich history while creating the space our students deserve: strengthening learning, safety, and opportunity for today’s children and for the next 107 years to come.”

- Bre Faircloth, Royal Heights Elementary Principal