Joplin Breaks Ground on Two School Renovations
Stapleton and Eastmorland elementary schools begin major improvements funded by a voter-approved bond program.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Primary Education
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Joplin School District held groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday for renovations at Stapleton and Eastmorland elementary schools, two of the district's oldest. The work is funded by the $40 million Eagle Bond approved by voters in April.
Why it matters
The projects are intended to improve campus security, modernize classrooms, and address traffic congestion at two aging elementary campuses in the district. They are part of the Eagle Bond program that voters approved to fund facility upgrades across Joplin schools.
The $40 million Eagle Bond, approved by voters in April, funds the projects, which include a 6,500-square-foot addition at Stapleton and a 1,800-square-foot addition at Eastmorland. The source does not specify a completion date or the portion of the bond allocated to each school.
The players
Joplin School District
The public school district serving Joplin, Missouri, which is overseeing the Eagle Bond projects at its elementary campuses.
Stapleton Elementary School
One of Joplin's oldest elementary schools, receiving a new addition, expanded cafeteria, renovated library, and redesigned entrance.
Eastmorland Elementary School
One of Joplin's oldest elementary schools, receiving a new secure entrance, administrative offices, nurse's area, and expanded classrooms.
The details
Stapleton will gain a 6,500-square-foot addition for early childhood and special education classrooms, an expanded cafeteria, a renovated library, new play fields, and a redesigned entrance with a two-lane parent drop-off area that separates buses from other vehicles. Eastmorland will receive a 1,800-square-foot addition with a secure entrance, administrative offices, and a nurse's area, along with expanded kindergarten and special education space, a dedicated gifted education classroom, cafeteria renovations, and a new parent drop-off drive.
Timeline
April: Voters approved the Eagle Bond program.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at Stapleton and Eastmorland elementary schools.
Primary Education Context
The Eagle Bond, approved by Joplin voters in April, is the funding mechanism behind these groundbreakings at Stapleton and Eastmorland. The projects move that voter-approved $40 million from authorization into construction at two of the district's oldest elementary campuses.
Parents at Stapleton and Eastmorland will see new drop-off areas and secure entrances as construction proceeds. Families should expect changes to traffic and campus access during the renovation period.
The takeaway
Parents of students at Stapleton and Eastmorland can expect campus security and drop-off changes as the renovations move forward. Following Joplin School District updates will show when each phase is finished.
Further reading
Explore more Primary Education coverage for context on how elementary school facilities are being upgraded.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newstalk KZRG.
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