R-8 Board delays decision on metric for returning to all in-person education at Joplin High School

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education opted to delay a decision for establishing a metric for a return to complete in-school education at Joplin High School.

Following a discussion moments ago, the board members agreed to take time to gather more information about how the current process of having students alternating between in-person and virtual classes, with half of the students in the building on any given day.

A work session will be scheduled in three weeks to examine how well the current system is working, how much, if any, COVID-19 has spread in the school and in the community, and how well students are dealing with taking classes online.

Using that information, the board will make a decision at its September meeting the next week.

Classes began Monday in the R-8 School District and at this point, the district has eight COVID-19 cases, six students and two staff members, Superintendent Melinda Moss told the board.

None of the cases were at Joplin High School.

"We were able to socially distance," Principal Steve Gilbreth said, noting there were no problems in the cafeteria or hallways, classes benefited from the smaller sizes and students were wearing masks at the times they were required, including moving from one class to the next.

"The kids have been absolutely incredible," Gilbreth said"

"Everyone has been super compliant."

Board member Jeff Koch backed a plan to make a decision September 14, based on a metric in which less than one percent of students and staff tested positive for COVID-19.

"Teenagers are relying on us for a sense of normalcy." Koch had done a considerable amount of research into what area school districts and school districts of similar size to Joplin were doing, as well as working with the Missouri School Boards Association and reviewing Center for Disease Control information.

Board member Michael Joseph indicated he was more comfortable with waiting the extra time.

"We just don't know what will happen. I think we'll have a better idea 30 days from now."

Board member Brent Jordan said, "I still think kids will be safer at school."

Whatever decision the board makes will have no effect on the approximately 400 students whose parents opted to have online education for the entire first semester.