Nodaway-Holt R-VII School District
| Nodaway-Holt R-VII School District | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
318 S. Taylor Street Graham, MO 64455 | |
| District information | |
| Type | Public school district |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Schools | 2 |
| Affiliation | MSHSAA |
| Students and staff | |
| District mascot | Trojan |
| Colors | Royal Blue and Gold |
| Other information | |
| Website | www |
Nodaway-Holt R-VII School District is a rural public school system based in Graham, Missouri. The district encompasses a significant geographic area in the northwest corner of the state, serving students across Nodaway, Holt, and northern Andrew counties. It operates two primary facilities: an elementary campus in Maitland and a secondary campus in Graham, which serves as the district's administrative hub.[1]
History and Consolidation
The district was established in 1968 through the legislative consolidation of three independent rural districts: Skidmore, Maitland, and Graham.[2] This reorganization was part of a state-wide movement to improve educational equity and fiscal stability in rural Missouri.
Historically, the district utilized school buildings in all three towns. However, following the 2004 closure of the Skidmore facility due to declining population trends, the district restructured into its current Maitland/Graham configuration. In 2017, district voters approved a multi-million dollar bond issue to replace the high school's 1938 Works Progress Administration (WPA) building with a state-of-the-art facility, which opened in the fall of 2019.[3] The legacy building was demolished in 2020 to facilitate the expansion of the athletic complex and student parking.[4]
Academic Profile and Governance
Nodaway-Holt R-VII is fully accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The district maintains a high teacher-to-student ratio, often cited as a key factor in its consistent performance on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) testing.
Board of Education
The district is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Education. Board members serve staggered three-year terms and are responsible for the district's annual budget, policy-making, and the appointment of the superintendent.
Curriculum
The secondary curriculum includes both college-preparatory coursework and vocational training. The district participates in the Northwest Missouri A+ Schools program, which provides tuition assistance for students attending Missouri community colleges or vocational-technical schools.
Campus Facilities
- Nodaway-Holt Elementary School (K–6): Located at 409 Hickory Street in Maitland, Missouri. The facility includes specialized spaces for early childhood education and remedial literacy programs.[1]
- Nodaway-Holt Junior-Senior High School (7–12): Located at 318 S. Taylor Street in Graham, Missouri. The 2019 construction added modern STEM labs, a new gymnasium, and enhanced agricultural education workshops.[5]
Athletics and Extra-curricular Activities
Operating under the mascot the Trojans, the district is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). In 2020, Nodaway-Holt entered into a comprehensive athletic cooperative (co-op) agreement with the West Nodaway School District (Burlington Junction) to field competitive teams in football, basketball, and track and field.[6]
The district's National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) chapter is highly active, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage and providing significant leadership training for students.
Geography and Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the district covers a sprawling rural area characterized by corn and soybean production. It serves the primary municipalities of Graham, Maitland, and Skidmore.[7][8] The district population is approximately 1,200 residents, with a student enrollment that has remained relatively stable at approximately 220–240 students over the last decade.
References
- ^ a b "District Home". Nodaway-Holt R-VII School District. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- ^ Woehlk, Geoffrey (July 12, 2018). "Nodaway-Holt marks 50 years of consolidation". Maryville Forum.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Woehlk, Geoffrey (April 5, 2017). "Voters approve Nodaway-Holt bond issue". Maryville Forum.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Woehlk, Geoffrey (March 27, 2020). "Nodaway-Holt moves ahead with demolition". Maryville Forum. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- ^ Woehlk, Geoffrey (June 28, 2020). "Nodaway-Holt hopeful for new school by fall". Maryville Forum. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
- ^ Woehlk, Geoffrey (December 18, 2020). "West Nodaway opts for full co-op with Nodaway-Holt". Maryville Forum. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- ^ Geography Division (2020). 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Nodaway County, MO (PDF) (Map). U.S. Census Bureau.
- ^ Geography Division (2021). 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Holt County, MO (PDF) (Map). U.S. Census Bureau.