W.P. man honored at 64th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators

Six Pioneers in Education were in the spotlight on Monday, July 28, in recognition of their commitment and contributions to public education in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recognized the 2025 Pioneers during the 64th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators. 

 

“These individuals have worked throughout their lives to ensure that the students of Missouri have the best education possible,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “DESE is honored to recognize the hard work and dedication of these Pioneers in Education.”

 

Among the honorees is Jim Thompson, of West Plains, who served 36 years as member of the West Plains R-7 school board and was board president for about half of that time. Thompson first got involved with his local Board of Education through a grassroots group to promote the construction of a new elementary school to replace three aging buildings in the district. During his time on the board, West Plains focused increasingly on recruiting and retaining highly qualified educators and working to “grow their own” within the district. West Plains also took on a multitude of other projects to improve the district, including constructing a new agricultural education facility, implementing preschool programs, and establishing an alternative learning school.

 

State education officials have presented the Pioneer in Education awards for 50 years, which honor teachers, school administrators, citizens, and lawmakers for their distinguished careers and contributions to public education in Missouri.