In January 2025, the Joplin Schools Board of Education approved the Long Range Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC) Phase 1 recommendations to address the facility needs they considered to be of highest priority:

• Suitable educational spaces for all students
• Suitable Special Education spaces for intensive programs
• Early Childhood/PreK expansion.

Those Phase 1 facility upgrades will soon be implemented at Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Elementary, and Royal Heights Elementary, using nearly $11M of the district’s financial reserves – our savings accounts – made possible by careful stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The LRFPC made further recommendations in October 2025 to address additional facility requirements in support of student success well into the future of our community. These Phase 2 recommendations would be paid for by an additional $10M of district reserves, plus a proposed bond issue that would extend the current tax rate while maintaining our district’s current tax levy. We are thankful to be in such a safe financial position that we don’t need an increase to our tax levy, as property tax assessments are fully expected to support the district’s improvement needs. 

These improvements would impact facilities that will be used by the vast majority of our students and staff members in the district at some point during their time with us, making a substantial investment in our kids’ future opportunities. Broadly speaking, the proposed upgrades will address:

• Additions, and Interior + Classroom Renovations: Stapleton, Eastmorland.
• Interior + Classroom Renovations: Cecil Floyd, Kelsey Norman.
• Classroom Renovations: McKinley, Royal Heights, Jefferson.
• Comprehensive Window Replacement: Eastmorland, Stapleton, Kelsey Norman, Cecil Floyd
• Site Access, Safety, and Parking Improvements: Eastmorland, Stapleton, Cecil Floyd, McKinley, Jefferson, Royal Heights
• Indoor Activity Facility – JHS Site: Includes classroom space for physical education, athletic & activity spaces, storage, and community space.
• Junge Campus Improvements: Buildings, Grounds, & Transportation Facility Remodel; Bus Lot concrete and parking improvements; Locker Room and Concession Renovations at Stadium

More information will be shared in the coming months. We look forward to planning the strong future of Joplin Schools with you!