SJSD School Board talks MoWest partnership, childcare plan at work session and new program addition to Hillyard

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- The St. Joseph Board of Education got together for a special work session to talk through several items on their agenda. 

Because it’s a work session, board members didn’t vote on anything during the meeting — it was mainly a time for discussion and updates. 

One topic they discussed was the educational partnership between Missouri Western State Univeristy and the St. Joseph School District.  

Through the MoWest partnership tuition discount program, full-time employees of partner organizations — along with their spouses and dependents — can receive tuition discounts on a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.  

The board also talked about a before- and after-school childcare agreement for employees’ children for the 2026–2027 school year.  

Under the proposal, the YMCA would provide 50 free childcare slots. The district would then pay $45 per week for additional children, up to 50 more slots — making 100 total spots available. 

Another item on the agenda was the possibility of introducing two new career pathway programs at Hillyard Technical Center—one focused on law and public safety and another on aircraft mechanics.  

Hillyard Director Chris Gagnon said the center is excited about the potential additions.  

“I think everybody would agree that we can always use more and better trained law enforcement officers because we struggle with that and the city struggles with that,” Gagnon said.  

He added how any effort to strengthen the community and create new opportunities for students is something worth getting excited about.  

Gagnon also pointed to the growing need for workers in the aircraft mechanics industry, saying he was surprised by just how big the demand is.  

“There really is quite a void so its a huge opportunity not inly to make things better especially for students for st joe and the surrounding area at Hillyard, start the path and get their certification,” Gagnon said. Gagnon also says if the board approves the additions, f the board approves the additions, Hillyard would offer a total of 21 programs. Gagnon also noted the center has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years. 

The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at 3401 Renick Street.