Dear Eastmorland Families and Neighbors,  

Eastmorland Elementary has been part of this community’s story for more than seventy years. Built in 1953, expanded over time, and strengthened by the addition of our community safe room following the 2011 Joplin Tornado, the building reflects resilience, history, and care. Every day, dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators bring learning to life for students in spaces that were designed for a very different era of education. Thanks to strong partnerships with families and the community, Eastmorland continues to thrive, even as the building itself shows its age.

The proposed bond issue focuses on preparing Eastmorland for the future while honoring its past. Plans include a new secure entrance addition that would house offices, the nurse’s area, and a teacher lounge, along with renovations to the library, art room, special education suite, and kindergarten classrooms, including added restrooms. The project would also create more flexible learning spaces, expand the kitchen, enlarge the cafeteria, and add a dedicated classroom for the Gifted Program. New finishes and window replacements throughout the school would improve comfort, efficiency, and the overall learning environment for students and staff.

Outside the building, safety and accessibility are also central to the proposal. A new two lane parent drop off drive from 11th Street, a covered entrance canopy, clearer separation between bus and family traffic, extended sidewalks, and improvements to outdoor play and courtyard spaces would make arrival, dismissal, and daily movement safer and more welcoming. These updates, happening alongside improvements at other older elementary schools in the district, reflect a shared commitment to giving every child access to high quality learning spaces. Eastmorland is already filled with heart, talent, and community pride. These improvements would help ensure the building itself is ready to support students for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Principal Tylan Harris

Learn More about Eagle Bond 2026 in Joplin Schools