Joel E. Barber School Considers Building Own High School Amid Rising Tuition Costs
The Joel E. Barber School in Laclede County, which currently serves kindergarten through 8th grade, is considering building its own high school. This move is prompted by the significant cost of paying tuition for its students to attend high schools…
Springfield, MO, November 10, 2026 — The Joel E. Barber School, located in Laclede County, is exploring the possibility of constructing its own high school facility. The district currently educates students from kindergarten through 8th grade.
District officials are weighing this significant undertaking primarily due to the escalating costs associated with paying tuition for its students to attend high schools in neighboring school districts. Projections indicate that these tuition expenses are expected to continue rising, placing a considerable financial burden on Joel E. Barber.
To address the potential costs of building and operating a new high school, district leaders are investigating various funding mechanisms. Among the options being considered are the implementation of a bond issue and a property tax increase. These financial tools would aim to secure the necessary capital for such an expansion project.
The specifics regarding the projected cost of the high school, the timeline for a potential bond issue or tax increase, and the names of the neighboring districts where students currently attend high school were not provided in the available summary. Further details on these aspects are anticipated as the district’s exploration progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Billie Brightman on www.ky3.com, see more information here.
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