Elementary Reconfiguration

Welcome video for Eugene Field parents and students. 



Welcome video for Hawthorne Elementary parents and students. 



How did Mexico School District arrive at reconfiguration?

At the December 2018 meeting, the Mexico School District 59 Board of Education made a historic vote that will impact the program of early learning throughout our schools. The approval of elementary school reconfiguration will provide access to more preschool age children and will allow equity, consistency, and efficiency in grades one through five across the district.

Although the district has considered reconfiguration for several years, we have spent the past 12 months carefully studying the impact of this change and have a clear path forward for creating as smooth of a transition as possible for our students and families. Additionally, we have received a great deal of input from our staff, parents, community, and students throughout this process.


How will the three elementary schools be reconfigured? 
The board-approved reconfiguration involves converting McMillan school from a preschool and K-5 elementary, that currently serves approximately 200 school-aged students plus all the district preschool students, to an early learning center that will serve all district kindergarten students, regardless of where they live, plus an expanded preschool program that could serve an additional 30-60 children. 

Beginning in August 2019, the district’s first through fifth grade students will attend either Eugene Field Elementary School or Hawthorne Elementary School, depending on the location of the family’s home. By concentrating the students into two schools rather than three, it will allow the district to create balanced class sizes across the district which currently fluctuate as much as eleven students in a classroom, depending on the grade level and the school. An additional benefit will be the ability for teachers to collaborate within their grade level teams to focus on the social emotional and academic needs of age specific students.


What is the timeline for reconfiguration? 
The change in how education will be delivered was proposed and developed with the best intentions for student access to learning and ultimately to the success of the children within this community. However, it is only natural to continue to have questions or even be curious as to the specific benefits to our students. There is an element of unknown that comes with change may create unease and stress; we will work together to ensure that we have a plan that meets the needs of learners and their families. We will also continue to communicate information to you as decisions are finalized, and continue to up date the timeline below. 

Elementary Reconfiguration


A message from Superintendent Zach Templeton: 
Our mission at Mexico Public Schools is to create an exceptional education experience for students that serves students’ needs for emotional well being, academic aptitude, social inclusion, and an overall sense of life contentment that serves their future as members of society. We believe that we have to be willing to rethink our approach and have the courage to make changes in order to achieve that mission.

If we all work towards achieving our goals with an attitude that remains focused on the positive and a determination to succeed, we cannot fail. We appreciate your support of our school and the continued efforts of educators to make a positive impact on the lives of students. We are excited for the possibilities and for the future of the students of Mexico Public Schools. 


What if I have more questions or would like to request more information?
View Frequently Asked Questions on reconfiguration

If you would like more information regarding any of the topics in the FAQs, we encourage you to reach out to our school district administrators, call Central Office at 573-581-3773, or email [email protected].