Dr. Gabe Edgar, Superintendent of the St. Joseph School District, had a conversation with St. Joseph Community Alliance Director Tama Wagner on stage for this quarter’s Public Affairs Coffee held at Missouri Western State University on Sept. 28, 2023.
Dr. Edgar spoke about some of the accomplishments of the district and some of the challenges, most notably attendance issues. Attendance problems and habits that begin young carry on into adult behaviors and affect the workforce. Other issues discussed include academic outcomes and teacher retention and pay.
State Rep. Brenda Shields was in the audience and some questions from those in attendance ended up going to her as she could discuss them from a state perspective.
On a non-education note, founding members of the Housing Improvement Initiative (HII) were honored for their initiative in resolving some workforce housing and community appearance issues.
Public Affairs Coffees are presented by Farmers State Bank.