School board slates public meetings

A Joplin School Board committee recently suggested the possible construction of one new school and an addition on another in the Joplin R-8 district.

The Board’s Long-Term Facilities Committee said the Board of Education should consider having the new school built for students who now attend West Central Elementary School and Columbia Elementary. The estimated cost would be $19.6 million.

Columbia has been beset with a problem resulting from settling that has created a large crack in one interior wall. West Central has no similar structural problems but is in excess of 90 years old.

In addition to that structure, the committee also suggested an addition be added to Kelsey Norman Elementary School at an approximate cost of $2.875 million.

The no tax increase building projects would have to be approved by voters in the Joplin School District.

This week, taxpayers will have the chance to express their feelings.

Several community input sessions are planned. Board president Sharrock Dermott says the public forums are open to residents in the Joplin R-8 district.

A total of six sessions will be held:

* At 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday in the safe room at West Central Elementary School, 1001 W. 7th St.

* At 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday in the safe room at Columbia Elementary School, 610 W. F St.