St. Joseph School District Adopts Plan 4BR, Transitions to Two High Schools

The St. Joseph School District Board of Education has officially approved Plan 4BR, shifting the district to a two-high school model centered around Benton High School and Central High School. The decision, reached during a special board meeting on November 19, 2023, concluded months of deliberation over 14 different proposals. The motion passed with a vote of 5-2, despite opposition from two board members who raised concerns about the transition.

During the public comment segment of the meeting, emotions ran high as community members voiced frustrations over the prolonged decision-making process. Cynthia Cook, a local resident, expressed her concerns regarding the district’s capacity to accommodate students. “You keep promising more opportunities, more sports, more clubs, more classes. But what happens when more students want in than there are spaces? Who loses out?” she questioned.

Travis Smith, another community member, highlighted the district’s financial situation and the implications for future students. He stated, “How is that even acceptable? There are two seats ready to come up here in April. Do you need some help trimming out that dead weight that needs to go? We are not going to stand for this; we are taking this town back.”

Despite the intense feedback from residents, the board did not consider alternative options and reaffirmed their commitment to the direction discussed in previous meetings. Superintendent Ashly McGinnis provided insight into the decision, emphasizing that it followed extensive data analysis and community input aimed at enhancing learning environments for all students.

Details of Plan 4BR Implementation

Under Plan 4BR, Lafayette High School will be transitioned into a middle school, while Robidoux Middle School will become an elementary school. The district will close historical buildings, specifically Field and Pershing Elementary Schools. McGinnis noted that restructuring the district’s feeder pattern was a critical element of the plan. This aims to maintain student cohorts from elementary school through middle school and into high school, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.

“We actually have one elementary, Carden Park, that feeds into all four middle schools. We want to clean up that system to provide that sense of belonging for our kids and keep those cohorts together,” McGinnis explained.

The St. Joseph School District is now preparing for a significant transition that includes the closure of Lafayette High School, the construction of a new facility, and the support needed for families and students to adapt to these changes. District officials confirmed that implementation of Plan 4BR will occur before the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.

The board’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the St. Joseph community, as residents await the impact of these changes on educational opportunities and school resources. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for students and families in the district.