Joplin R-8 Board hires five teachers, accepts one resignation

During an August 10 closed session, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education hired five teachers and 12 classified employees and accepted a resignation.

One of the certified employees hired, James Whitney, who retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year was hired under the critical shortage designation. 

The vote to hire Whitney was 4-1 with board members Sharrock Dermott, Michael Joseph, John Hird and Jeff Koch voting in favor and board member Rylee Hartwell casting the "no" vote. Board member Derek Gander lost audio and was unable to hear the presentation and did not cast a vote. Board member Brent Jordan was absent

Certified Employments: Shamera Moss, Nicholas Ray, Emily Wade, and Kerry Webster

Certified Resignation: Brookli Scott

Classified Employments: Charles Browning, Darla Hightower, Melissa Leonard, Crystal Masters, Kalli McCoy, Robert Northcutt, Michele Palisay, Clara Proctor, Leslie Webster, Aaron White, Terri Wilbanks, and Jordan Williams