Joplin Schools to start fall semester sooner

The Joplin School Board voted unanimously to move up the schools’ start date for the fall semester to Thursday August 13th. The original start date was August 24th.

Superintendent Doctor Melinda Moss says this is beneficial because the “kids have been gone too long.” School buildings have been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moss says they need to get the kids reengaged in learning.

Moss also says this will allow them to balance days between first semester and second semester.

The Board also approved more than $760,000 in collective pay increases for its employees during the next fiscal year.