SJSD pushes for efficiency and equity under new two–high school model  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After the St. Joseph School District Board of Education voted on Nov. 24 to move forward with Plan 4BR, the Benton and Central High School model, Superintendent Ashly McGinnis said it’s important than ever for families to understand why this plan was chosen. 

McGinnis said the main push for moving to a two–high school model comes down to academics and the ongoing national teacher shortage, which has made it difficult to fully staff all three high schools. 

“The original reason... were to right-size our district, meaning we have some extra space that we're not using and we need to be more efficient as a school district,” McGinnis said.  

She added, the district’s financial situation also played a major role, highlighting how consolidation brings some needed relief. 

According to McGinnis, the changes will help the district operate more efficiently while offering equal academic and extracurricular opportunities to students — all while reducing costs.  

“By reducing three high schools to two high schools, we'll be able to consolidate some of that staffing, which will result in financial savings,” McGinnis added.   

McGinnis acknowledged the uncertainty families have felt over the past few months. While she knows the decision may be disappointing for some, she believes having a clear direction brings a sense of relief for both students and staff.  

“We have to be thinking 15 years down the road, what do we want our district to look like? The thought of having a new high school in our community, I think, is...is on the horizon in the future.”  

She also stressed the importance of giving students access to modern facilities so they can stay competitive with neighboring districts and help attract more families to the community.