Opening of new Joplin High School, tech center delayed

JOPLIN, Mo. -- The new Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center will not open as scheduled on Monday.

Superintendent C.J. Huff announced Thursday the schools instead will open Sept. 2.

The announcement is only for those two schools, all other Joplin schools will open Monday.

The high school and technology center replace schools destroyed by the May 2011 tornado that killed 161 people.

Huff said the delay will give faculty, staff and students time to become more familiar with the buildings. He says faculty and staff moved into the buildings this week but haven't been able to set up classrooms or review safety and security procedures.

The Joplin Globe reports the high school is complete except for the performing arts area, which should be ready by January.

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Information from: The Joplin (Mo.) Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com