One of the major issues facing the Warsaw R-9 Board of Education is securing a place for an alternative school. The need for an alternative school is one of the reasons the Board of Education is asking voters to approve Proposition KIDS on April 2. The bond issue will not increase the tax rate but will give the district a $18,000,000 general bond to construct, remodel, upgrade and repair existing buildings.
Alternative schools are designed to educate students who have not been successful in regular schools, often because of behavior, disciplinary and safety concerns. An alternative school may involve a range of different educational settings other than the typical school.
According to R-9 Superintendent Scott Gemes, the high school annex building which now houses art, science and the technology office is slated to be remodeled into an alternative school for high school and middle school students.
“The alternative school will house students who are part of the Missouri Options program and are studying to take their GED,” said Gemes. “We believe about nine students would be in that program. Another 25 students would be working on credit recovery while 20 to 40 students would be in the alternative school for long term suspension problems (OSS).”
Two certified teachers as well as one paraprofessional would be hired to instruct in the alternative school. WHS Principal Danny Morrison would be the administrator in charge of the alternative school.
Students would be tested and interviewed to determine if the alternative school would be a good fit for them.
“We want all of our students to be successful and an alternative school would help them to reach their goal of earning a high school diploma,” said Gemes.
Social Service Coordinator Jonna Arnett has been visiting other school districts to observe alternative education.
“It is important to reach the students who don’t thrive in the regular classroom,” said Arnett. “Some students drop out because they become frustrated with not being able to keep up with their classmates. We want all students to be successful.”
Alternative school will allow for students to be in smaller classroom settings with more one-on-one time with the teacher. The WHS Alternative School will assist students in reaching their full potential as citizens and fulfill post-graduation plans.
Another added feature to the Warsaw R-9 building projects is the fifth-grade wing to be added to John Boise Middle School. In addition to adding classrooms, the structure will serve as a storm structure for WHS and JBMS students, faculty and staff.
“The new wing will be made of a hardened material to withstand severe weather,” said Gemes. “In the event of a dangerous storm, we would be able to fit all our students and staff into the fifth-grade wing for their protection.”
Anyone with questions about the bond issue should contact Mr. Gemes at the Warsaw R-9 central office at (660) 438-7120.
