Plan 4BR passes, district shifts to two high schools
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education officially voted to move forward with Plan 4BR, which centers on the Benton and Central High School model, after months of reviewing 14 different proposals.
The decision came during Monday night’s special board meeting, shortly after the public comment period ended. The motion passed 5–2, with two board members opposing the shift to a two–high school structure.
Emotions ran high during public comment. Community members, frustrated by months of back-and-forth debate, expressed anger that the board hadn’t made a firm decision sooner.
“You keep promising more opportunities, more sports, more clubs, more classes. But what happens when more students want in than there are spaces? Who loses out?” said Cynthia Cook, a community member in attendance.
Several speakers criticized the board for what they saw as indecision and a lack of steady leadership.
Travis Smith, another community member, spoke about the district’s financial situation and what he believes his children will face because of it.
“How is that even acceptable? There’s two seats ready to come up here in April. Do you need some help trimming out that dead weight that needs to go? We are not going to stand this, we are taking this town back,” Smith said.
Despite the intense feedback, the board did not revisit alternative options; instead, it reaffirmed the direction discussed at its Nov. 19 meeting.
Superintendent Ashly McGinnis gave KQ2 a statement confirming that the district will now move ahead with the two–high school model. She said the board’s decision reflects months of data analysis, community input and a commitment to providing strong learning environments for all students.
“In 4BR, we have a two-high-school model with Benton and Central as high schools. Lafayette, transitioning into a middle school and Robidoux transitioning into an elementary school. Retiring buildings would be Field and Pershing elementary,” McGinnis said.
She added that the district’s feeder pattern structure was a major factor, noting the goal is to keep student cohorts together from elementary to middle school and then to high school.
“We actually have one elementary Carden Park that feeds into all four middle schools. And so we want to clean up that system to provide that sense of belonging for our kids and keep those cohorts together,” said McGinnis.
The district now faces a major change, including the transition of Lafayette High School into a middle school and helping families and students adjust to the changes ahead.
SJSD officials confirmed Plan 4BR will be implemented for the 2026-2027 school year.
