The Missouri State Board of Education has approved a plan to consolidate the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled (MSSD), reducing the number of state-operated campuses from 24 to 12 over the next two years. The move is intended to address staffing shortages, declining enrollment, and aging facilities while maintaining educational services for students with significant disabilities.
Details of the School Closures
By the end of June 2026, 12 Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled campuses will close: Briarwood in Harrisonville, Citadel in Potosi, College View in Joplin, Crowley Ridge in Dexter, Delmar Cobble in Columbia, Dogwood Hills in Eldon, Gateway/Hubert Wheeler in St. Louis, Lakeview Woods in Lee’s Summit, Lillian Schaper in Bowling Green, Ozark Hills in Salem, Prairie View in Marshall, and Rolling Meadow in Higginsville.
Six of these schools were already under “temporary emergency closure” because of staffing shortages, affecting 61 students. The remaining six schools, with a combined enrollment of 64 students, were also considered at risk for emergency closure, according to Mark Wheatley, assistant commissioner of special education.
Enrollment and Facility Challenges
Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled has experienced a 36% decline in enrollment over the past 16 years. This drop, combined with $50 million in deferred maintenance across 34 buildings, has made it difficult to sustain the current structure. A consultant hired by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education described the existing program as “unsustainable” in its current form.
In addition to enrollment declines, the schools face staffing challenges. Specialized educators and support staff are essential to MSSD’s mission, but recruitment and retention have been ongoing obstacles. Without adequate staffing, schools cannot safely operate, prompting the emergency closures earlier this year.
The Plan for Consolidation
Under the approved plan, Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled will consolidate from 24 campuses to 12 by 2026. This will involve closing the 12 listed schools and constructing two new facilities to replace aging buildings. The goal is to create a network of modernized campuses with updated resources, enhanced accessibility, and specialized programs tailored to students’ needs.
Board President Mary Schrag said in a statement that the decision is “the first step in providing more opportunities and strengthening education for all students enrolled in Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled .” She emphasized that the consolidation aims to create a more efficient program with enriched resources for students and their families.
Missouri’s Unique Special Education Model
Missouri is the only state that operates separate day schools specifically for students with severe disabilities—a model that was once common across the United States but has largely been replaced by integrated special education programs in local school districts.
While national trends have shifted toward greater inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings, many Missouri families continue to value the dedicated support provided by Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled campuses. In consultant surveys, 85% of parents said Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled met their child’s needs better than their previous school placements.
Community Impact and Next Steps
For families, the consolidation will mean some students will need to transfer to different campuses. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to work with families on transition plans to ensure continuity of individualized education programs (IEPs) and support services.
The two new facilities, once constructed, are expected to feature improved accessibility, specialized therapy spaces, and updated learning technology. By centralizing services, the department aims to maximize staff expertise and better allocate resources for assistive technology, transportation, and specialized instruction.
Focus on Educational Quality
Education officials say the consolidation plan is designed to sustain and strengthen the quality of instruction for students with severe disabilities. With fewer but better-resourced campuses, the department anticipates improved access to therapies, more consistent staffing, and updated facilities that meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
Over the next two years, MSSD administrators will oversee the phased closures, construction of new facilities, and relocation of students. Training for staff, upgrades to specialized equipment, and improvements to transportation services are expected to be part of the implementation process.
While the changes may bring logistical challenges for some families, the Missouri State Board of Education maintains that the long-term benefits will include more efficient operations, higher-quality facilities, and sustained specialized services for students with the most significant learning and developmental needs.
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