Laclede County, Mo. – The Joel E. Barber School, the only K‑8 facility in the C‑5 School District, is confronting a costly tuition burden as it sends high‑school‑age students to neighboring districts. Each year the district pays roughly $1.7 million in tuition to other counties, a figure that officials say will rise in the coming years.
Why a high school matters for families
District leaders say adding a high school would keep tuition dollars within the community, reduce long‑term expenses, and provide a broader range of classes and facilities for local youth. “It would save the district tuition money and ensure students are getting high‑quality, diverse facilities and classes,” said elementary principal Kyle Starnes, a lifelong resident whose family has attended the school for three generations.
Funding options under review
The board is evaluating four paths: maintaining the status quo, consolidating with another district, annexation, or building a new high school. The latter option tops the list and has been discussed for years. To finance construction, officials are considering a bond issue paired with a property‑rate tax increase estimated between $0.30 and $0.60 per $100 of assessed value. The bond amount itself is still being refined, with Starnes estimating a range of $5 million to $9 million.
According to the district’s website, any tax increase would require voter approval, and future bond extensions would also need to be ratified by the community. “Taxpayers would need to continue to approve the bond by voting for a no‑tax increase to keep the line of credit available for future improvements and additional phases,” the site explains.
Practical considerations
Building a high school involves more than erecting a structure. The district must address technology needs, electrical and plumbing systems, cafeteria capacity, and transportation logistics. “A lot of people think it’s just build the building, now you have a high school. That’s not the case,” Starnes noted.
Enrollment would rise from roughly 500 to about 700 students, increasing state funding that is allocated on a per‑pupil basis. This boost could further offset construction costs and ongoing operational expenses.
Next steps and community input
Over the next several months, the school board will hold public meetings to finalize the bond proposal, with a target ballot date in April. Community members are being invited to share ideas about the desired features of a local high school. “We’ve spoken with staff and students and pulled them together to gather ideas also to find out what it’s going to take to best serve them, really trying to figure out a way to set our kids up for life as young adults,” Starnes said.
The process is described as lengthy but hopeful. “It has been a long process to get going, but it’s also been an exciting one,” Starnes added, emphasizing the district’s commitment to providing a stable, locally controlled education pathway for Laclede County families.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
