2O13 ANNUAL REPORT- TO THE COMMUNITY -

Investing in the future today by inspiring our students to pursue excellence.

Dear patrons,

In the six years I have served on the Joplin Schools Board of Education, I have witnessed incredible change throughout the district. With your support, in 2008 we opened three new middle schools to better serve our students – the first new schools in the district since 1985. In May 2011, we experienced devastating losses, but, with your help and the help of people from across the nation and the world, we quickly began the recovery process. Shortly after that disaster, we made a promise to come back bigger and better than before, and in May 2012, we broke ground on four new schools and began work on community safe rooms and renovations throughout our district. As 2013 came to a close, construction workers, staff, and volunteers worked to put the finishing touches on three of our new schools so that we could bring 1,300 of our Eagles home. In 2014, we will open our new high school and technical school, and our students will experience a new and innovative curriculum focused on helping them succeed in college and in their careers.

Change, whether planned or not, certainly has its challenges and the last few years have had their fair share. However, one thing hasn’t changed: our focus as a school board, a district, and a community is on doing what is best for our children. I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about the future of Joplin Schools and this community. Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff. We have an exciting destination ahead!

Jeff FlowersPresident, Joplin Schools Board of Education

RAISING THE STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCEIn 2013, Joplin Schools Board of Education approved the Standards of Excellence, a comprehensive school improvement plan focused on five key areas:

f academic achievement f graduating college-ready and career-ready students f becoming the school district of choice f becoming the employer of choice f maintaining financial stability

Dozens of community members, parents, and school staff worked together to develop specific goals and accountability measurements in each of these key areas.

Visit www.joplinschools.org to view the complete plan and to find updates on our progress.

Standards ofEXCELLENCE

Kids make me feel useful. I like their energy and honesty and watching them change from scared kindergartners to confident middle schoolers. I feel like I accomplish something knowing that they come to a clean school ready to learn. - Lourdes Hasty, building engineer

PROMISES KEPTOn Jan. 9, 2014, Irving Elementary, Soaring Heights Elementary, and East Middle School opened for students marking a milestone in Joplin Schools’ recovery efforts.

Designed for LEARNING:

f colorful, flexible common spaces designed for collaborative activities

f creative use of natural light to enhance energy efficiency and boost learning

Designed for EFFICIENCY:

f high-efficiency mechanical and lighting systems exceed energy standards

f large windows and skylights capture daylight and lower energy costs

f building material selections help reduce ongoing maintenance costs

Designed for SAFETY:

f when not in use as storm shelters during severe weather, safe rooms for students, staff, and the community double as usable space for classrooms or gymnasiums

Designed for INSPIRATION:

f thoughtful color choices and architectural elements support inspiration, exploration, and creativity

f areas designed for different types of learning offer students a versatile experience

f unique themed spaces that reflect the culture of each school

f use of salvaged, historical items from original schools to commemorate the past

* The 34.85 acre site is shared by East Middle School and Soaring Height Elementary.

IRVING ELEMENTARY

EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL

SOARING HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY

Architect: SAPP Design Architects, Assoc.

Grades served: K-5Capacity: 650 studentsSite area: 13.5 acresBuilding area: 88,400 sq. ft.Project cost: $18.5 million

Architect: Hollis + Miller Architects

Grades served: 6-8Capacity: 750 studentsSite area: 34.85 acres*Building area: 157,273 sq. ft.Project cost: $32.7 million

Architect: Hollis + Miller Architects

Grades served: K-5Capacity: 450 studentsSite area: 34.85 acres*Building area: 65,290 sq. ft.Project cost: $13.6 million

Construction continues on the new Joplin High School/Franklin Technology Center. This project is scheduled for comple-tion in August 2014 except for the performing arts center, which will be completed in the fall. The new school combines a comprehensive high school and career education center in one building where the focus is on each individual student’s education and career interests. Through Career Paths, students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of potential careers while completing their core studies. Students will also have more class options, more Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, schedule flexibility, and a variety of internships and personalized learning experiences.

JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL / FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

COMMUNITY SAFE ROOMS

Architect: Corner Greer & Associates, Inc. / DLR Group

Grades served: 9-12Capacity: 2,500 studentsSite area: 66 acresBuilding area: 487,937 sq. ft.Estimated cost: $118 million

DESTINATION AHEAD

In 2013, construction wrapped up on community safe rooms at Irving Elementary and Soaring Heights Elementary. In 2014, 12 additional community safe rooms throughout the district will be completed. The safe rooms are designed to provide shelter during severe weather to students, staff, and residents who live within a five-minute walking distance from the safe room. The safe rooms will be open to the community during severe weather regardless of whether school is in session or not. Trained safe room managers will staff the facilities. When school is not in session, the doors will be opened automatically during a severe weather threat. Most of the community safe rooms also serve as gymnasiums for the schools.

For more information about community safe rooms, visit www.joplinschools.org/saferooms.

The new JHS will be a great source of pride for all of Joplin, especially our students who will finally return to a permanent home. This is when the 2011 tornado will become part of history instead of a part of daily life. - Virginia Gormely, high school English teacher

I’m looking forward to having our students in a new modern facility that will have new technology and lots of space.

But, the thing I’m looking forward to the most is having all students and staff back together on one campus.

- Rick Freeborn, technology specialist

CREATING PATHS TO SUCCESSWhile construction continues on JHS/FTC, much work has taken place behind the scenes to prepare for the opening of the new school and a new approach to education for Joplin students. Joplin Schools’ educators and local business partners have worked together to create the next generation of JHS/FTC – a comprehensive college, career, and technology focused high school designed to prepare students for a successful life. Students attending JHS/FTC will have an opportunity to choose one of five general Career Paths. These paths center around core foundational knowledge and skills plus the soft skills employers demand from their employees, including attendance, completing work on time, and other characteristics necessary for success in the real work world.

Learn more about JHS/FTC, Career Paths, and the new curriculum at www.joplinschools.org.

FOUNDATION KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Academic & Technical Teamwork, Career Development, Information Technology,

Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Employability, Ethics, Systems,

Safety, Health & Environment, Legal Responsibilities, Communication

HEALTH SERVICESHealth SciencesBiomedical ScienceCerti�ed Nurse Assistant (CNA)Diversi�ed HealthEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)Sports Medicine

ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

Graphic Arts, Audio Visual Technology and

CommunicationNew Media Technology

MusicDebate and Theatre

Visual ArtFashion Design

Housing and Interior Design

ManufacturingWelding

Automated Manufacturing

Architecture and Construction

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)

Construction

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

Automotive/Diesel TechnologyAutomotive Collision Repair

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)EngineeringInnovative Technologies

Agriculture, Food and Natural ResourcesPlant SciencesAnimal SciencesNatural Resources and Environmental Systems

Education and TrainingTeaching and Training

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Pre-LawJunior Reserve O�cers Training Corp (JROTC)

Law EnforcementFire Services

Early Childhood and Developmental ServicesFamily and Community Services

Hospitality and TourismCulinary ArtsTravel and Tourism

TECHNICAL SCIENCES

HUMAN SERVICES

Information TechnologyComputer Information Systems

Marketing, Sales and Service

Marketing

FinanceAccounting

Business, Management and AdministrationGeneral Management

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Bright Futures Joplin program continues to partner with area businesses, faith-based organizations, human service agencies, and parents to help eliminate obstacles that keep students from reaching their full potential. In 2013, Bright Futures met the needs of more than 350 students. In addition to meeting basic needs such as clothing and shoes, Bright Futures Joplin provides tutors and mentors to students and supports programs that encourage student success. Learn more about Bright Futures Joplin at www.brightfuturesjoplin.org

REACHING FULL POTENTIAL

Cost per StudentHow much does it cost to educate one Joplin student for one year?

$5,819 for instruction f Teachers who provide classroom instruction f Counselors who monitor academic and social growth

f Librarians who encourage reading and research skills

f Instructional materials, textbooks, and library books

f Computer hardware and software f Supplies for classrooms, fine arts, and physical education

$1,409 for school support f Principals and assistant principals who guide the school

f Nurses who help keep students healthy f School office staff who support the school’s daily operations

f Nutritious school meals f Buses to and from school, field trips, and activities f Workers compensation and life insurance for staff

$1,010 for building maintenance f Keeping the schools clean and maintained f Repairs of electrical, roof, heating, and air conditioning

$276 for administration f Administrators who provide teacher recruitment and other human resources f Professionals in finance, technology, and management services

TOTAL: $8,514 per studentThese figures represent the district’s operating costs per pupil and do not include the following: debt service, major building renovations, new building construction, insurance or FEMA reimbursed expenditures. Source: 2012 – 2013 Joplin Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR)

Where does the district get its funds?(2012 – 2013 school year, excludes bond and insurance proceeds and FEMA funds)

INVESTING IN JOPLIN’S FUTURE

68.4%

STATE: 27.6%

16.5%

FEDERAL: 11.6%

11.9%

OTHER: 1.6%

3.2%

LOCAL: 57.5% COUNTY: 1.7%

Joplin School Tax Levy$2.75 for operations$ .91 for debt service $3.66 TOTAL

Student PerformanceFor the last several years, Joplin Schools has focused on overcoming the challenge of consistently low graduation rates. Numerous programs and inter-ventions have been put into place from pre-kindergarten through high school to help all students – from the most at-risk to the highest achieving – walk proudly across the stage to accept their diplomas. We still have much to do, but our efforts are paying off. In 2013, our graduation rate reached 86.6% – the highest graduation rate recorded for our district.

Making it Happen f 1,298 district employees f 722 certified staff (teachers, counselors, etc.)

f 576 classified staff (building engineers, bus drivers, support staff, etc.)

52.7% of teachers hold a master’s degree or higher Teacher retention rate: 85.3%Student to teacher ratio: 20 to 1

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION

ACT Composite ScoreJoplin Schools Missouri Nation

21.1 21.6 20.9

Average Teacher SalaryJoplin Schools Missouri

$39,924 $46,214

% of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced Levels on the 2013 MAP

46.01%Joplin

53.88%

Missouri

Mathematics

50.9%

Joplin

55.67%

Missouri

Communication Arts

1996

54%2000

74.6%2012

78.5%2013

86.6%

Joplin Schools’ Graduation Rate

For years, Joplin Schools has remained ahead of the curve regarding technology-rich instruction, training, and tools for students and teachers. In classrooms throughout the district, teachers use technology to improve learning and enhance instruction. The result: engaged and excited students who are no longer bound by the four walls of a classroom.

Technology Highlights: f In 2013, Joplin High School was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013–2015. The Apple Distinguished School desig-nation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

f Every student in 8th through 12th grade receives a computer for use at school and home. Joplin Schools boasts a two-to-one computer ratio district wide.

f Every teacher receives a computer and ongoing training and professional development in instruc-tional technology.

Examples of technology in action can be seen daily across disciplines:

f Students in a fashion design class Skype™ with an organization in Ghana to learn about a design project that uses recycled materials to provide school bags to children. They apply what they have learned to create their own fashions from recycled materials and host a fashion show for their fellow classmates.

f Students in an English class share what they are learning about local history by creating a community website that showcases their articles, photographs, and videos.

f Students in a math class watch online videos featur-ing real-world situations, then determine resolutions to obstacles they observe through formulas.

As a district, we recognize that there is room for improved student performance. We continue to make adjustments to meet and exceed state standards and expectations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping all students achieve at their highest levels.

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Randy SteeleMemberElected April 2008Term expires April 2014

Jim KimbroughMemberElected April 2006Term expires April 2015

Jeff FlowersPresidentElected April 2008Term expires April 2014

Phil WillcoxonMemberElected April 2008Term expires April 2014

Anne SharpMemberElected April 2000Term expires April 2015

Dawn SticklenMemberElected June 2012Term expires April 2016

Michael D. LandisVice PresidentElected April 2001Term expires April 2016

BOARD OF EDUCATION

JOPLIN SCHOOLS FAST FACTS7,784 students pre-K through 12th grade1,298 employees1 early childhood center11 elementary schools3 middle schools1 high school (temporary split campus 9-10 and 11-12)1 technical school1 flexible program that provides day and night school

for at-risk high school students1 facility for students with behavioral challenges serving

Joplin and 16 additional school districts14 community safe rooms at schools throughout the

district by the end of 2014640 children and 398 families served by Joplin Schools

Parents as Teachers366 student needs met by Bright Futures Joplin800+ volunteers serving students and staff123 sports, clubs, and activities for elementary and

secondary students$2,110,487 in scholarships for high school seniors14 Advanced Placement and 16 dual credit classes for

high school students28.6 average ACT score of the top 50 JHS students for

the last three years4,480 lunches served daily1,923 breakfasts served daily60.57% of students qualify for the free/reduced lunch

program69.69 square miles covered by district boundaries96 school buses transporting 3,300 students daily911,241 miles traveled by buses in 2012/2013

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