Public schools are the hearts of our communities and essential to Missouri’s ability to create jobs in the global economy, Gov.Jay Nixon said today during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Soaring Heights Elementary in Joplin. The Governor’s “Good Schools, Good Jobs” plan, which he detailed during his State of the State last week, will provide public schools with the resources they need to prepare students to succeed in college and careers.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks yet another milestone in a remarkable recovery here in Joplin,” Gov. Nixon said. “Joplin Public Schools have become a shining example of what is possible when a community unites in a common purpose, and commits to building a brighter future for the next generation. The fact is that nothing will have a greater impact on the future of our economy than the commitment we make now to public education.”
The Joplin School District lost five schools as a result of the EF-5 tornado that devastated the city on May 22, 2011. Soaring Heights Elementary is one of three new schools in Joplin that opened this month.
Gov. Nixon’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal includes an increase of $278 million for K-12 classrooms, putting the state on a path to fully funding the foundation formula in two years. The K-12 foundation formula, passed into law in 2005, establishes the state’s funding level for K-12 schools. This would increase funding for Joplin public schools by more than $2.4 million, which will help the growing district keep class sizes small.
Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Math and reading scores have increased on his watch and Missouri’s high school graduation rate is now the eighth highest in the nation. Over the past five years, Missouri has also led the nation in minimizing tuition increases at its public universities.
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