Dear McKinley families,  

McKinley Elementary has been serving students for generations. The current version of our school first opened its doors in 1955, with additions completed in 1985 and again in 2008. Today, the district is investing capital reserve funds into a major addition at McKinley, addressing important needs right now with resources we already have. The April 7 bond issue allows us to build on that work and complete additional improvements here at McKinley, while also extending similar upgrades to six other of the district’s oldest elementary schools. In simple terms, the district has started the work, and we are now asking our community to help us finish the job through a no tax increase bond.

If approved, the bond would support several important improvements at McKinley, including expanded parking and pick-up lanes, bike and pedestrian safety enhancements, accessibility improvements, and classroom finishing renovations. These updates are about making sure our students arrive safely, learn in spaces that meet today’s needs, and have full access to their school. Across Joplin Schools, our teachers already deliver a common curriculum with shared academic pacing, ensuring consistency in what students learn. This bond helps ensure the places where that learning happens are consistent too, so every child has similar opportunities and learning environments, no matter which school they attend.

I am grateful for the work of the Long Range Facility Committee, a group of community members who toured every district building and carefully identified priorities. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how to keep McKinley Elementary and our entire district on track for a bright future. Your support helps ensure our schools continue to serve students well, today and for many years to come.

Sincerely,
Jason Riddle, McKinley Elementary Principal

Learn more about Eagle Bond 2026 in Joplin Schools