Perry County School District prepares for new school year after tornado damage

PERRY COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) -As the first day of school approaches, the Perry County School District #32 is racing to ensure students have a safe, in-person learning environment following significant tornado damage earlier this year.

Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones said the district’s top priority is welcoming students back on Aug. 20 with minimal disruption. That includes setting up temporary classrooms and learning spaces while repairs continue across the school system.

“We are very focused right now on being prepared for students to come back to school,” Dr. Jones says. “That focus is on getting temporary classrooms, set up learning facilities for them so that they can start the school year together, get off to a great start.”

Jones said some students will return to familiar locations, including the district’s old senior high building, which was used during the spring semester. But this fall, the district is working to positively change student learning into some new “learning expos” that house classrooms, restrooms, and office space, and more.

“These are large learning expos, and all of the classrooms are housed within them,” Jones says. “They are also in close proximity to our safe rooms in case of severe weather.”

On Tuesday, the district held a public board meeting to show community members and families the extent of the tornado damage and to gather feedback on long-term recovery plans.

Windows remain boarded, debris still aroundthe area, and various building structures sustained significant damage.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Jones says that remote learning was never seriously considered.

“The day after the tornado, we were very adamant that we were not going to go online and keep our kids at home,” she says. “That was our absolute number one priority, to get them back in person. And we successfully did that very quickly with a lot of support district wide.”

With the new school year just weeks away, Jones encouraged families to remain engaged and involved.

“We really want to get feedback about what the parents, the staff, students and our community feel needs to be the direction for where we’re going to go,” she says.

Tonight, the school board will meet once again, reviewing last night results from community members, and families giving their input on what the school system will do next. Along with discussing where the projects currently stand as the new school year draws closer.

For More information visit the schools website, HERE.