The Joplin Schools Board of Education has approved the recommendations of the district’s Long Range Facility Planning Committee for a first phase of projects geared toward addressing educational suitability, intensive programs, and early childhood expansion.

At a special session held Tuesday, Jan. 7, Committee representatives outlined their process and priorities, noting that the committee has been working since 2023 to identify district needs based on facility and classroom space, student demographics, and programming expectations. 

The committee has identified three areas of highest priority to address: Suitable educational spaces for all students, Suitable Special Education spaces for intensive programs, and Early Childhood/PreK expansion. While more than $20 million in possible short- and long-term projects have been identified so far by the committee based on these priorities, they presented recommendations to focus on three buildings for Phase 1 (short-term) projects for a total of $9.5 million, to be funded by Capital Outlay Reserves. After discussion and questions, the board approved the committee’s proposal as follows:

Jefferson Elementary School

• Kindergarten/SPED addition
• Classroom addition
• Remodel and secure entry
• Remodel and renovate the Cafeteria, Nurse’s office, Art/Music classrooms, Library, and support rooms

Royal Heights Elementary School

• Kindergarten addition
• Remodel and renovate the Cafeteria, Library, and Art/Lab classrooms
• Remodel Early Childhood classroom and entry canopy

McKinley Elementary School

• Addition for Music, Art, and Early Childhood classrooms
• Remodel and renovate the Administrative Offices, Nurse’s Office, Kindergarten classroom, Library, SPED OT/PT, SPED Suite, Cafeteria/Kitchen, and classroom

The Board also approved the hiring of a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMaR) to manage and coordinate these upcoming remodeling projects. The district successfully used this system of management during recent construction at Kelsey Norman and Dover Hill elementary schools. An RFQ to select a CMaR is posted on the district’s website.

Additional approvals at the meeting included 2025-26 Capital Outlay projects and classroom furniture purchases for 7 elementary buildings. 

Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta expressed gratitude for the Long Range Facility Planning Committee’s extensive work to support the needs of students and staff.

“This has been a demanding process for the parents, community members, and staff members who have dedicated so many hours to understanding the district’s needs,” said Dr. Sachetta. “We appreciate this team and the work they’ve done to make a careful, responsible plan for the future. We’re also thankful to our board members for trusting the committee’s guidance and recommendations.”

The committee plans to present their final, longer-term recommendations to the Board in June 2025