Ribbon cutting marks major expansion at Hosea Elementary

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph School District cut the ribbon on a big upgrade Thursday at Hosea Elementary. 

The ceremony took place at 2:30 p.m. at Hosea Elementary, located at 6401 Gordon Ave. in St. Joseph.

The celebration marked the completion of a 4,225-square-foot expansion -- giving students and staff more room to learn and grow. 

Thanks to a $20 million bond approved by voters back in April 2024, the school now has three new classrooms, a staff restroom and a dedicated workspace for teachers. 

School leaders say it’s just one of several projects aimed at improving learning environments across the district.  

“It's something that’s been needed for (the) long term for quite a few years now. We’ve gotten rid of some of the trailers and now it's finally time to get a nice addition to support everybody,” said Casey Housman, director of operations.  

District leaders say more projects could be on the way but that depends on several factors, including the local birth rate. 

Housman says the new classrooms at Hosea Elementary will make a big difference, giving both students and staff extra space to learn and work.  

“Currently we are working on the long-range plan," Housman said. "That's the possibility to go to two high schools, we are still in the early stages and getting (the) public’s approval on where that's exactly going to be."  

As the new school year kicks off, the district’s focus is on giving students and staff the best start possible while embracing these changes. 

News-Press NOW will continue to follow the latest updates from the St. Joseph School District.