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
2026-27 Board Meeting Dates
Beacon Board Meetings are typically held on the first Friday each month, unless it conflicts with a school holiday.
Sept. 4, 2026
Oct. 2, 2026
Nov. 6, 2026
Dec. 4, 2026
Jan. 8, 2027
Feb. 5, 2027
March 5, 2027
April 2, 2027
May 7, 2027
