New Joplin High School envisioned

In an article in today's Springfield News-Leader, Joplin R-8 officials envision the replacement for Joplin High School, which was destroyed by the May 22 tornado:

But with much of the building likely slated for demolition, the district can now create a new campus. It will include the adjacent Franklin Technical Center, a 600-student building also flattened by the tornado.


"That's a game-changer for us. With this tragedy and the loss of FTC and Joplin High School, we're going to have to re-vision a little bit," Huff said. "We can now envision a Joplin High school that can comfortably house what we're projecting in student enrollment now and in the future."

Huff said plans for a new high school, which will likely take years to build, are being developed.

The goal is to create a facility that better meets the academic, athletic, fine arts and extra-curricular needs of students.

Portions of the new campus will likely be inspired by a major renovation completed in 2003. It included a new library and media center, bigger cafeteria, updated science classrooms and theater.

In 2005, a 1,300-square-foot student television station was added.

Joplin has one of the largest public high schools in the state. While many growing communities added a second high school, Joplin decided to keep grades 9-12 under one roof.

Huff said it allows the district to offer better academic opportunities, support services and programs.

"We have one high school so we're able, from an economic standpoint, to do more," he said. "We can garner more resources for our students."

(Photo: Aerial view of Joplin High School)