Joplin Schools

Eagle Bond

Strong Schools.

Strong Community.

No New Taxes.

Vote April 7.

| Vote April 7, 2026 | Make A difference

| Vote April 7, 2026 | Make A difference

A protest sign with a large yellow circle background, a blue thumbs-up symbol in the center, and texts around the circle that say 'Eagle Bond', 'No Tax-Rate Increases', and 'No Tax-Rate Increase'.

Vote Yes!

On April 7, Joplin voters will decide on the Eagle Bond—a community-driven plan to improve elementary schools and create safe, healthy spaces for students across the district.

This bond puts kids first, strengthens our schools, and does not raise the school tax rate.

Three Things to Know

1. Elementary Schools Come First

Every child deserves a safe, modern place to learn.

Seven of Joplin’s older elementary schools will receive long-overdue improvements focused on safety, learning spaces, and support for early childhood and students with special needs. These schools serve more than 2,200 students and will be brought up to the same standard as Joplin’s newer elementary schools—ensuring every child has a safe, modern place to learn.

Royal Heights • McKinley • Jefferson • Cecil Floyd • Stapleton • Eastmorland • Kelsey Norman

Three boys smiling and sitting in front of a colorful paper craft display of large foam noodles and shapes, with a blue backdrop and white walls.

2. Team Time Over Screen Time

It’s about connection, teamwork, and giving students places to belong.

The Eagle Bond includes a new indoor education and activity center designed for students across the district. This shared space will support clubs, band, ROTC, archery, dance, weightlifting, and more. As student activities have grown over time, this center provides healthy, positive places for connection, teamwork, and learning beyond the classroom.

Children in a gymnasium playing with a large, multicolored parachute. The parachute is blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Some children are holding the edge, lifting it, while others are underneath or around it.

3. No New Taxes

The Eagle Bond does not increase the school tax rate.

The Eagle Bond renews the existing levy so Joplin Schools can continue improving facilities while keeping taxes steady. Through careful planning and responsible financial stewardship, the district has already invested millions in school improvements now underway. The Eagle Bond continues this long-term approach—allowing needed upgrades, safety improvements, and maintenance to move forward without adding new tax burdens for families or retirees.

Group of children and two adults, including a police officer and a woman wearing a bicycle helmet, standing in front of a playground slide.

Building safer, more suitable schools together

Elementary School Improvements

  • Campus safety upgrades

  • Better learning spaces for early childhood programs

  • Improved support for students with special needs

Two young girls with blonde hair, wearing white hats and colorful clothing, holding shovels during a ground-breaking ceremony at a community event.

Indoor Education & Activity Center

  • Built on the high school campus

  • Used by students across the entire district

  • Supports academics, arts, club activities, athletics and technical education

A PLAN BUILT BY THE COMMUNITY

The Eagle Bond didn’t come from one office or one person.

It was shaped by a broad group of parents, teachers, students, business leaders, clergy, and community members—working together to identify the district’s most pressing needs.

Community surveys showed strong support for these priorities, including the indoor education and activity center.

This is a Joplin plan built by Joplin voices.

A group of children sitting on a sidewalk outside a school building, some dressed in costumes, smiling and posing for the photo.

Proven Stewardship

Joplin Schools have already invested $21 million in improvements at three elementary schools that are currently underway.

The Eagle Bond provides an additional $40 million to finish the job—continuing a thoughtful, long-term approach to maintaining safe, efficient, and up-to-date school facilities.

Regular bond renewals allow the district to plan ahead and avoid sudden tax increases.

A woman speaking at a podium during an outdoor event, with a group of people and a yellow construction vehicle in the background, while children sit on the grass nearby.

Vote Yes on the Eagle Bond
April 7

Because strong schools strengthen the whole community.

Because kids deserve safe places to learn and grow.

Because this plan moves Joplin forward—without raising taxes.

A patriotic graphic announcing that Tuesday, April 7 is Election Day with a vote box and stars, promoting Joplin Schools.

Election Date: Tuesday, April 7

Last Day to Register to Vote: Wednesday, March 11

Last Day to Request Ballot by Mail: Wednesday, March 25. (if requesting this late, county officials recommend voting early in person. Mailed absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.)

In-Person Absentee Voting: Feb. 24 – 5pm April 6.

Jasper County residents:

  • Carthage Courthouse, 302 S. Main St., Carthage, Room 103

  • Joplin Courts Building, 633 S. Pearl Ave., Joplin, Room 198

Election Information and Polling Locations