The Globe’s report (June 24) about the new plan proposed by the Joplin School Board stirred many memories.
In 2003, the decision was reached to close the alternate high school at West Campus. A number of students with difficult backgrounds were being taught there by extremely dedicated teachers.
Economic Security had devised a program, “Graduating with a Future” to encourage West Campus students to remain in school. Members of the Rotary Club of Joplin were meeting West Campus students one-on-one at lunch to give them advice and support with their studies. All of this came to an end in 2003. The teachers were dispersed. Economic Security could no longer continue its program, and the Rotarians were not allowed to lunch with their students who had now been transferred to Joplin High School.
At the time I thought that it was incredible that meaningful community support should be denied to students who would benefit from it most.
One would think that such interest would be greatly prized and encouraged. Maybe this time the Joplin School Board will get it right.
Bill Christman
Joplin
