MSSD Reimagined is a system‑wide effort to modernize how Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled serve students with special needs by aligning programs, people, and facilities. The MSSD Task Force is turning recent recommendations into coordinated steps for better instruction and modernized environments.

RESEARCH TO ESTABLISH FRAMEWORK
In 2023, MSSD worked with Public Consulting Group and Capital AE to study our facilities, staffing, and finances. The findings confirmed areas to improve and highlighted ways to better serve students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN). A second, deeper review of instruction and operations set a clear direction and led to the creation of the Long‑Range Planning Advisory Committee (LRPAC).

A PLAN IN MOTION
The LRPAC brought together more than 50 people, including MSSD staff, families, local education agency partners, and community members, who spent six months shaping practical ways to strengthen programs and learning environments across Missouri. Their recommendations focused on consolidating into fewer, newer schools for MSSD and forming Local Education Agency (LEA) collaboratives in underserved areas so more students with ESN can access strong education and services close to home.

A FOCUSED PATH FORWARD
We are now moving these ideas into action through the MSSD Reimagined Task Force. Their work centers on a clear mission and vision, high expectations for students with ESN, tailored professional learning for staff, safe and instruction‑ready facilities, and steady engagement with families, staff, and community. A core leadership team oversees six sub‑committees who ensure every part of the plan stays coordinated and transparent. These subcommittees include:

• Accountability
• Consolidation, Rebuild, & Remodel
• Communications
• ESN Grant Structure
• Rebranding
• Professional Development

The MSSD Reimagined Task Force continues its important work to shape the future of our program and create more inclusive practices. Since launching in the fall of 2025, the task force has brought together voices from across our schools and community to help guide long-term planning and identify ways to strengthen the educational experience for the students we serve.

Frequently Asked Questions - Parents

Why are our schools being consolidated?

DESE leaders presented possible solutions to the State Board of Education to improve services at MSSD. Those solutions were designed to strengthen educational opportunities for both students currently enrolled within MSSD along with all students with extensive support needs (ESN) throughout Missouri. Due to the following challenges, consolidation was recommended.

• Enrollment: MSSD has experienced a 36 percent enrollment decline during the last 16 years (1,033 to 660 students statewide).
• Staff recruitment and retention: There is currently a 23 percent vacancy rate among MSSD staff (115 vacant positions), along with a high turnover rate in MSSD leadership roles.
• Facilities: Most MSSD students are being served in aging facilities that were not designed to serve students with ESN. Many buildings also do not provide enough learning space or have excessive wasted and unused space.
• Instruction: Currently, there are inconsistent measures in place for progress monitoring, student outcomes, or alignment to statewide alternate learning standards. There’s also limited ability for MSSD students to interact socially with their non-disabled peers.

What schools are being consolidated?

Locations include Citadel (Potosi), College View (Joplin), Crowley Ridge (Dexter), Dogwood Hills (Eldon), Lillian Schaper (Bowling Green), and Prairie View (Marshall).

When will this consolidation take effect?

The consolidation will take effect at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year.

How will this impact my child’s daily routine at the current school and the future school?

While both schools follow similar routines such as transportation procedures, start and dismissal times, and lunch schedules, there may be differences in when specific academic subjects or skills are taught during the school day.

Will my child's teachers or therapists change?

It is possible that students will have new teachers and therapists. Some current staff members have requested to transfer to the new school, so students may see familiar faces as well as new ones.

Will my child continue receiving the same services outlined in his/her IEP?

Yes. Each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be implemented in full, just as it was at the current school.

How will transportation be affected?

First Student, our statewide contracted transportation provider, will continue to provide bus services to the new school.

What steps will be taken to help students adjust to the new environment?

Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible. Planned transitional opportunities may include Open Houses, trial bus runs, and “Meet the Teacher” events. Additional details will be shared as these activities are scheduled for the consolidated schools.

How can families be involved in the transition process?

Families are encouraged to participate in Open Houses and other transition events to meet teachers and staff. Our Home-to-School Coordinators will also work closely with each family to support a seamless transition. Additionally, families will have the opportunity to become involved through the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO will offer ways for parents and guardians to connect with the school community, assist with special events, volunteer for activities, and contribute ideas to help make the transition successful for all students.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions or need support?

Please reach out to your principal for additional information or assistance. They will be able to address questions and provide support throughout the transition process. Other assistance may be found by contacting the MSSD Reimagined Hotline.

Frequently Asked Questions - LEAs

What will happen to students who are attending a school that is closing?

Every student’s placement is guided by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and must meet the requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). For students attending a closing MSSD campus, the local LEA and MSSD will collaboratively plan the transition to a new placement that continues to meet the student’s educational and support needs.

Students may be redirected to another MSSD campus (one of the remaining or under-construction campuses) or may be supported to attend a program closer to home (via LEA, cooperative arrangement, or special program) depending on the IEP and what best meets their needs.

What will the student's transition process include?

• Notification to parents/guardians about the closure and available placement options.
• IEP team meeting to review the student’s current services, determine appropriate new placement, and address any changes in program, services, transportation or support.
• Coordination of transportation, facility access, staff and services to ensure minimal disruption.
• Continual support for families and students during the transition period (including orientation, site visits, familiarization with new setting).

Will the student's teachers, therapists, and other staff change? 

Staffing is a key focus of the restructuring effort, given current challenges in recruitment, retention, and specialized personnel availability. It is important for LEAs to stay in contact with MSSD leadership, attend all transition/IEP meetings, and ensure staffing plan alignment so that individual student services remain uninterrupted.

Will students’ services, programs or supports change as part of this restructure?

The goal of the restructure is to enhance service quality, not reduce it. This means:

• Upgraded facilities designed for students with ESN, with modern equipment and environments better aligned to their educational needs.
• Improved staffing, more consistent progress monitoring, alignment with alternate learning standards, and increased opportunities for integration or interaction with non-disabled peers where appropriate.
• A continued commitment to each student’s IEP — all required related services (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, etc.) will remain in effect as specified in the IEP.
• For LEAs, there may be new opportunities (via state grants/cooperatives) to develop local programs which may reduce travel and help students remain closer to home. This may offer expanded choices and flexibility.

What is the timeline and what should we expect next?

The board decision (August 2025) approved the closure of 12 schools by the end of the 2025-26 school year. Further restructuring is planned over the next 10 years, with a goald to consolidate to 12 modernized facilities and expand LEA-based capacity for students with ESN.

LEAs should expect to receive communications from MSSD with detailed transition schedules, IEP meeting invitations for impacted students, and options for placement. Continuous monitoring and stakeholder engagement will be a part of the process. This is not a one-time change, but a phased transformation.

What if I, the LEA, have a concern or question about a student's transition?

Please reach out to the MSSD principal for additional information or assistance. They will be able to address questions and provide support throughout the transition process. Other assistance may be found by contacting the MSSD Reimagined Hotline.

MSSD Reimagined Information Sheet

MSSD Consolidation Information Sheet

Consolidation Update Virtual Meetings

For additional information or to contact MSSD, email mssd@dese.mo.gov.