R-8 Board to decide on Joplin High School re-entry plan during special meeting Thursday

The tiebreaking vote on the proposed Joplin High School reentry plan is expected to be cast when the Joplin R-8 Board of Education meets in special session 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Memorial Administration Building.

The special session became necessary when the board deadlocked 3-3 on the proposal from district administrators that would combine in-person learning with a virtual learning experience, alternating the days students are in classes.

The officials maintain that with approximately 2,300 students and some classes that have as many as 30 to 40 students, it would be impossible to maintain anything close to proper social distancing.

The approach was favored by Board President Sharrock Dermott and board members Lori Musser and Michael Joseph.

Board members Derek Gander, Brent Jordan and Jeff Koch preferred having the students at the high school every day.

Board member Debbie Fort was absent.

The preliminary agenda also includes revising the district's 2020-2021 calendar.

The plans for the high school and for the rest of the district can be found at this link.