Joplin R-8 Board officially accepts resignation of McKinley Elementary principal, hires Barbara Cox

During a special closed session at Joplin High School Monday, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education officially accepted the resignation of McKinley Elementary Principal Brian Olivera and hired former North Middle School Principal Barbara Cox to replace him on an interim basis.

The resignation of Olivera, who was principal at McKinley for two years after a stint as assistant principal at Irving Elementary, came suddenly. Superintendent Melinda Moss announced the departure in a July 30 letter to McKinley families.

Cox was also hired as interim principal at East Middle School in January 2016 following the removal of Bud Sexson.

The R-8 School District is advertising for a permanent replacement.

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