Board of Education meeting discusses intermediate plan for high schools

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education will met at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Troester Media Center.

Ongoing discussions of the Long Range Plan for the two high school model included a proposed "intermediate step." Board members requested a comparison of the costs and logistical information for two high schools that would compare the feasibility of Central and Lafayette as the two schools. They also asked to see the numbers and logistics for a model with Central and Benton, which is a change from their original plans. Discussions about comparing these options centered on moving forward in a timely manner to accommodate both the needs of the students and the need for faculty and staff on the district. The board also discussed a way to ensure the community would be more involved in the process, especially given the results of the district survey concerning the failure of the bond to build two new high schools last spring. Detailed comparisons of these intermediate possibilities will be explored at the next board meeting

Agenda items also included the approval of the 2025-2026 budget, which was unanimously approved and marked the final budget overseen by retiring Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Dr. Robert Sigrist. Sigrist submitted the budget numbers and his report with affirmation from the board for his years of service.

Two proposals that would give students "real world" opportunities to connect with a wide range of businesses in the area was also approve, including an externship program.

The board will meet again at 8:30 a.m., on June 30, 2025, for a work session and board retreat at the Troester Media Center. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on July 28, at 5:30 p.m., at the Troester Media Center.