The December meeting of the West Plains R-7 School Board began with a wrap-up of fall high school student activities, including a visit by many sports and extracurricular activity participants. The students were introduced by Activities Director Dr. Ashley Cooley, and the activities spotlighted included cheerleading; girls tennis, softball, golf, and volleyball; boys soccer; girls and boys cross country; football; speech and debate; and theater. more

New Willow Springs High School facilities and the programs housed within them were showcased at an open house held Tuesday evening, hosted by the district with tours guided by instructors and students. The facility, off of Springfield Road, was formerly the site of Missouri Department of Transportation offices and recently purchased by the school district from the City of Willow Springs for $1. more

The Richards School Board is set to hold its monthly session at 6 p.m. today in the school boardroom. more

Officials with the West Plains R-7 School District have announced Virginia Uphaus will assume the role of West Plains Elementary School principal for the 2024-2025 school year. Effective July 1, 2024, she will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of current Principal Becky Hutchinson.  more

The State Board of Education announced Tuesday that 33rd District Sen. Karla Eslinger, of Wasola in Ozark County, will assume the role as the state’s next commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) effective June 1, 2024, after concluding her work in the Missouri Senate during the 2024 legislative session. more