Joplin Schools celebrate 100 days with events and safety updates

In a vibrant gathering at the Joplin Schools Board of Education meeting on February 25, 2025, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as members celebrated recent achievements and discussed critical updates for the district. The meeting opened with a heartwarming reflection on the first 100 days of school, a milestone celebrated by students across the district on February 5. The joy of growth was palpable as educators noted how much older, smarter, and stronger the students had become since the school year began.

Among the highlights was a report from the Joplin High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, where students showcased their talents in various business competitions. Notably, some participants qualified for the state competition, with hopes of advancing to nationals in April. The spirit of competition continued with the winter homecoming festivities, where Cooper Williams and Ava Schaeffer were crowned king and queen, and the Eagles triumphed in a thrilling double-overtime basketball game against Neosho.

The meeting also addressed significant policy updates. The policy committee, led by Mr. Robertson, reviewed 11 new policies recommended by the Missouri School Board Association, covering topics from school board ballot issues to student absenteeism. These changes aim to enhance the operational efficiency of the district.

Safety was a prominent theme, with Dr. Harding and Ms. Schroeder presenting updates from the safety committee. They discussed the implementation of a new visitor and emergency management system, expected to be operational by August 2025. The district is also fully staffed in transportation, with a new camera system in place to enhance safety measures. Discussions on access control revealed cost savings and improvements in security, while plans to balance radio distribution among elementary schools were also highlighted.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to ensure student safety and well-being. The commitment to fostering a secure learning environment remains a top priority, with plans in place to further enhance safety measures before the retirement of key personnel. The evening left attendees with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future, as Joplin Schools continues to strive for excellence in education and safety.