New Joplin R-8 superintendent takes the reins Monday

The last Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting featuring Norm Ridder as the top delivered on the promise he made when he first arrived two years ago- it clocked in at 57 minutes, just shy of the hour meeting that he had hoped for, but which somehow never materialized.

When the board meets 7 p.m. April 18 for the swearing-in of three newly-elected board members, it will be new Superintendent Melinda Moss who will be the top administrator.

Moss officially becomes superintendent Monday, April 3, but Ridder told the board she will be in Joplin Wednesday attending leadership meetings.

Moss will take over the office currently being used by Ridder, who will move a couple of doors down and continue to serve the district with the transition until his contract expires June 30.