Community weighs in on future of St. Joseph schools at public hearing
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education held a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Benton High School auditorium.
This meeting was part of the district’s ongoing conversation about facility consolidation and reorganization -- specifically two models that would impact local schools, including Lafayette, Central, Benton high schools and Hyde Elementary School.
SJSD Board President LaTonya Williams said she knows the board’s decision regarding reorganization will impact the entire community, and she wanted to hear from residents before a decision is made.
“I understand that this is our decision but it affects every member of the community," Williams said ahead of the public hearing. "So, if there’s an opinion or a question or a concern, I want to know it."
Community members were allowed up to three minutes each to share their thoughts and opinions on changes being discussed by the board.
A lot of families filled Benton's auditorium on Monday. Several residents voiced support for SJSD's plan B -- stating they believe it aligns the best with their children's educational needs. Ultimately, families said they want the school district to make a decision that keeps students' best interests in mind, and sets them up for success in the future.
Williams said moving forward with the long-range plan will be a benefit for local families, since it will finally bring closure to a discussion that has been ongoing for some time.
“It's a commitment from the board to keep their word. It’s been a problem in the district whether you should make a plan or change it," Williams said. "I want everyone to know that the board is doing the best to make these long-range goals."
She also said she wants people to feel comfortable walking up to her and sharing their thoughts on the district’s goals, so the board can take those perspectives into account before making a final decision.
“It's legal according to the policy and in all honesty, even if it wasn’t a requirement, I planned on asking people to voice their opinions anyway,” Williams said.
Following the hearing, the board remained at Benton for a work session. The work session was originally set to take place at Troester Media Center but was moved to Benton, according to a social media post from Board Member Whitney Lanning.
The board is expected to make its final decision, after reviewing all of the public input, at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.
