SJSD School Board talked boundaries, feeder system and program expansion

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education held a work session meeting on Sept. 8, where several big topics were on the table. 

One of the main discussions was the focus on school boundaries, looking at enrollment numbers and the percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunches. 

Superintendent Dr. Ashly McGinnis explained that when it comes to Title schools, some buildings automatically qualify based on a process called “direct certification.” 

“So some of the districts or some of those school buildings become automatic and we would go back to the drawing board next year to get those free and reduced lunch forms signed,” Dr. Ashly McGinnis, superintendent said. 

Board members also took a closer look at a proposed feeder system, designed to keep students together as they move from elementary to middle school and then on to high school. 

McGinnis said the discussion helped the team narrow down options and set a clearer direction.  

“When we talk about repurposing or remodeling the building its important that we look at enrollment counts and how those building are being used so that we maximize the efficiency within our school district,” McGinnis said. 

Another key point on the agenda is early childhood education. With growing demand in the community, leaders will talk about ways to expand programs to better serve young learners.  

McGinnis says  that strong early education helps prepare students with the skills they need to adapt and succeed once they start school.  

“And so they come in with being ready to learn skills and it helps them overall just adapt to going to school,” McGinnis said.  

The board also briefly touched on long-term plans for a new high school, which would not happen until at least April 2027. No decisions were made during the work session.