Construction taking place at Joplins Memorial Education Center [Video]

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Schools are making some updates to a building that’s more than a century old.

The Memorial Education Center opened in 1918 as Joplin High School. But it now serves at the administration center for the district, and changes need to be made for how it’s used in present day.

That includes remodeling the former cafeteria into three meeting spaces for professional development.

Other changes are less obvious, but badly needed according to district officials.

“We’re looking to increase the power in the building and to address the technological needs that we have in the building. um, obviously being a 100-year-old building – things are a little different now than when they were originally built,” said Joplin Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Matt Harding.

Along with the upgrades, they are saving some of the past. The largest meeting room will preserve the iconic tiling that says “M-H” — …