St. Joseph School District Transitions to Two-High School Model
The St. Joseph School District in Missouri has initiated a significant transition by approving a new two-high school model. On November 24, 2023, the Board of Education voted to implement Plan 4BR, which consolidates Benton and Central High Schools, marking a strategic shift aimed at improving educational efficiency and equity.
Superintendent Ashly McGinnis emphasized the necessity of the change, highlighting that the decision was primarily influenced by academic needs and the ongoing national teacher shortage. This shortage has created challenges in staffing all three of the district’s high schools effectively. McGinnis stated, “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.”
Financial considerations have also played a critical role in this decision. The consolidation is expected to relieve some financial pressure on the district, allowing for more streamlined operations. According to McGinnis, the transition to two high schools will facilitate a consolidation of staff, which is projected to yield significant cost savings.
By reducing the number of high schools from three to two, the district aims to provide equal academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students while also cutting down operating expenses. “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 noted.
The district acknowledges the uncertainty felt by families regarding this change. While some may find the decision disappointing, McGinnis believes that a clear direction will ultimately provide 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 added.
Modern facilities are crucial for maintaining competitiveness with neighboring districts, and McGinnis stressed the importance of ensuring that students have access to these updated resources. This is not just about enhancing the current educational environment but also about attracting more families to the community, thereby fostering growth within the district.
The transition to a two-high school model represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the St. Joseph School District. As the district moves forward with these plans, it aims to create a more efficient and equitable educational landscape for its students.
