Tina Smith: This is how we're going to raise employee morale at Joplin R-8

Newly-minted Chief Operating Officer Tina Smith just told the Joplin R-8 Board of Education about a new program designed to improve morale among district staff.

At a time when it appears that the district may lose more than 100 teachers for the third year in a row, Mrs. Smith introduced the "Eagle of the Week" program.

One employee will be spotlighted each Monday on the district website, she said. "We knew we needed to do a better job of recognizing our staff on a regular basis."

The Eagle of the Week winner will receive dinner for four at a local restaurant and have his or her photo taken.

That should keep any more teachers from resigning.