A Message from Joplin Schools Superintendent,
Dr. Kerry Sachetta

Dear Joplin Schools Community,

Over the past few years, Joplin Schools has made steady progress. Our students are growing academically, our staff continues to strengthen instruction, and our community remains committed to student success. That momentum gives us a strong foundation for the work ahead.

Looking forward, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring students learn in safe, modern, and functional spaces. Many of our schools, particularly older elementary buildings, need updates to meet today’s standards. To address these needs, the Board of Education has placed a no-tax-rate-increase bond proposal on the April 7 ballot. The proposal would extend the current tax rate and invest in districtwide facility improvements, including safety upgrades, modernized learning spaces, and an indoor education and activity facility at Joplin High School. 

These improvements are part of our long-range facility plan and reflect years of planning, community input, and careful financial stewardship. In the coming months, we will continue sharing clear, transparent information so our community can understand what’s proposed and how it supports students now and in the future. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Joplin Schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kerry Sachetta

A Message from the Board of Education President,
Veronica Scheurich

Dear Joplin Schools Voters,

On April 7, you will have the opportunity to make a very important decision for the future of Joplin students. During the past two years, a committee of parents, teachers, and other community members toured EVERY Joplin Schools building. They found that while some of the buildings are newer and had sufficient space for the students they served, many others had real concerns, lack suitable space, and are in general not comparable to our newer schools. The committee believed that every student deserves to learn in a suitable and safe space and made recommendations to fix these issues.

The first two phases of the plan will be funded by a $21 million investment by Joplin Schools and a $40 million bond issue, all without increasing the tax rate to Joplin residents. The more than 34% “down payment” on these projects is possible due to responsible budgeting by Joplin Schools and is made with funds that can only be used on capital projects like buildings, furniture, etc. Joplin Schools has the second-lowest tax levy when compared to surrounding school communities and has had the same levy since 2012.

Investing in our school facilities is imperative. Our students – all of them – deserve safe and suitable learning environments. Our teachers deserve to teach in schools and classrooms that are updated, large enough to serve their class size, and climate controlled for the best learning success. Our community deserves schools that are built to last, and consistent reinvestment in facilities to ensure that they do last. This plan, designed by our community, will accomplish that.

Respectfully,

Veronica Scheurich
Board President, Joplin Schools