Missouri to close a dozen schools serving severely disabled students

The Missouri State Board of Education says they will be closing 12 state schools that serve students with severe disabilities.

That includes College View School in Joplin, which will shut down at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

The Missouri Independent says there was little discussion Tuesday about the plan to consolidate the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled, or MSSD. Board members delved into the plan more thoroughly during a May meeting and a retreat last month.

“The State Board of Education believes this is the first step in providing more opportunities and strengthening education for all students enrolled in Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled,” Board President Mary Schrag said in a news release. “This decision is not taken lightly but will result in a more efficient program that enriches quality resources provided to students and their families.”

Staffing issues, declining enrollment and deferred maintenance were a few reasons for the move.