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LA PLATA, MO -- Classes have only been in session for a few days at the La Plata R-II School District, but things are off to a great start.

While summer break meant time off for students, employees at La Plata were busy getting prepared for this school year. No major curriculum changes were made, but school officials were busy working on a curriculum that is aligned more with state and national standards. That new curriculum will be implemented over the next year or two.

When it comes to the budget, years of conservative actions have left the school in great shape for this year.

“We are in really good financial shape. We have been conservative for a number of years and our resources are strong and we have plenty of money to fund all of our programs. Not something you can always say in difficult times, but we are in good shape,” said La Plata R-II School Superintendent Dr. Craig Noah.

With a strong budget, the school was able to build a new agriculture building. Work began last year but was completed just in time for the new school year to begin. La Plata was one of the few in the Heartland without a Future Farmers of America program.

 All FFA classes and activities will take place in the new building. It has a large classroom, a computer, an office for the agriculture instructor, and restrooms.

Along with starting the FFA program, school officials worked hard to restore more programs this summer, which included the hiring of several new full and part time employees.

“We have added more staff in our high school to try and restore some programs so we have full time positions, in every position. Not something that is always possible. Sometimes you have to do some part time, and we have some part time, but we were able to add some staff,” Noah said.

All of the summer work wrapped up last week and classes began last Wednesday. School officials say students and staff are excited to be back for another year.

The La Plata R-II Schools have been accredited with “Distinction in Performance” by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for five of the last seven years.