Bond project update, open enrollment discussed at school board work session

The St. Joseph School District Board of Education met for its monthly work session.

Some items discussed were updates for the ongoing district bond project that's covering costs for repairs at multiple facilities and the District's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) updates.

"Every single month, you'll see the CSIP updates..." said SJSD Superintendent, Dr. Gabe Edgar. "We have some challenges academically. We have some trust issues within the community, and so we're doing everything we can...Through surveys and those types of things to find out how we can be better."

Additionally, Edgar explained the possible implementation of House Bill 711, which was approved by the Missouri House of Representatives earlier this month. 

The bill would allow "open enrollment" in terms of establishing transfer procedures to non-resident districts for students in public schools. The bill could become effective for the 2026-2027 school year if approved by the Senate. 

The Board also talked about the implementation of childcare for parenting students- as it currently has about 20 students throughout the District with children. 

Also heavily discussed Monday night, was paid paternal leave for staff and workforce housing. 

"You know, the conversations right now are very preliminary. I think the workforce housing would be a great opportunity for us to partner with the City, the County," said Edgar. "I'll put it on the Community Alliance agenda the next time we have a meeting this month. 

The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24 at the Troester Media Center.