Hailey
The Missouri State Board of Education has made a major decision that will change the future of special education in the state.
On Tuesday afternoon, the board approved a plan to close 12 schools serving students with severe disabilities by June 2026. This decision is part of a bigger effort to consolidate resources, improve educational opportunities, and address staffing shortages.
While some parents and staff have raised concerns, the board believes the move will lead to better quality resources and a more efficient program for students and families.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the schools affected, the reasons for closure, and what this means for Missouri’s special education system.
Why the Schools Are Closing
The decision to close the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) is not sudden. Over the past two years, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been working with consultants and a special committee to evaluate the program.
Key Reasons for Closure:
- Declining Enrollment – Student numbers have dropped by 36% in the last 16 years.
- Staffing Shortages – Six schools were already under “temporary emergency closure” due to a lack of staff.
- High Maintenance Costs – The program has $50 million in deferred maintenance across 34 buildings.
- Inefficient Use of Resources – A consultant called the current model “unsustainable”, recommending fewer but better-equipped schools.
Schools Scheduled to Close
The following 12 schools will be permanently closed by June 2026:
| School Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Briarwood | Harrisonville |
| Citadel | Potosi |
| College View | Joplin |
| Crowley Ridge | Dexter |
| Delmar Cobble | Columbia |
| Dogwood Hills | Eldon |
| Gateway/Hubert Wheeler | St. Louis |
| Lakeview Woods | Lee’s Summit |
| Lillian Schaper | Bowling Green |
| Ozark Hills | Salem |
| Prairie View | Marshall |
| Rolling Meadow | Higginsville |
Impact on Students and Families
Currently, 61 students attend the six schools already under emergency closure, while the other six schools scheduled to close serve 64 students. This means a total of 125 students will be affected.
Board President Mary Schrag explained in a press release:
“This decision is not taken lightly but will result in a more efficient program that enriches quality resources provided to students and their families.”
The board says the goal is to centralize services so students can have better facilities, more specialized staff, and updated learning resources.
Future Plans for Missouri Special Education
The long-term plan is to reduce the number of MSSD schools from 34 to 12 by constructing two new modern buildings and closing 24 outdated facilities.
These new schools will be equipped with advanced technology, specialized classrooms, and therapy areas designed specifically for students with severe disabilities.
Missouri’s Unique Position
Missouri is currently the only state in the U.S. that still operates separate day schools for students with severe disabilities. While many states have moved toward integrating students with learning disabilities into regular schools, Missouri has continued this separate model.
Interestingly, a parent satisfaction survey found that 85% of parents believe the MSSD program meets their child’s needs better than their previous schools.
Concerns from Parents
Some parents worry that closing these schools could:
- Increase travel time for students.
- Limit access to personalized support.
- Disrupt their child’s learning routine.
They argue that smaller, specialized schools are often better for children who need intensive care and attention.
The closure of 12 Missouri special education schools marks a big change for families, educators, and communities. While the state says the move will improve efficiency and provide better resources, it also means major adjustments for 125 students and their families.
As Missouri moves toward consolidating and upgrading its special education facilities, the debate between efficiency and accessibility will continue. For now, the priority will be ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining quality support for every affected student.