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About Beacon Cooperative

What is the Southwest Missouri Special Services Cooperative?

The Southwest Missouri Special Services Cooperative (Beacon) serves students with individual education plans who exhibit significant behavior challenges that limit their access to general education environments with same-aged peers at their home schools. Currently, 15 area school districts belong to the cooperative. The cooperative consists of the Beacon Behavior Center in Joplin, and the Beacon Autism Center in Carthage.

Board Officers & Contact Information

President: Stacey Tracy, Joplin Schools Director of Special Education

Vice President: 

Secretary/Treasurer: Bryan Shallenburger, Carthage R9 School District Director of Special Services

2025-26 Board Meeting Dates

Beacon Board Meetings are typically held on the first Friday each month, unless it conflicts with a school holiday.

Sept. 5, 2025

Oct. 3, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Jan. 9, 2026

Feb. 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

April 10, 2026

May 8, 2026