On a tour to promote the expansion of the A+ schools program, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon visited Lafayette to congratulate students and staff on the school’s recent designation as an A+ school. 

Offering students state funds to attend community colleges and technical schools in the state, the A+ program requires schools to meet standards including reducing dropout rates and providing students with career pathways in order to get into the program. 

The process of applying and becoming an A+ school takes several years. “Good schools like Lafayette don’t exist by accident. Good schools are possible only because of strong support from every part of the community,” Nixon said. 

Nixon’s promotion of the expanding state program comes not long after controversy erupted over state cuts to scholarships and programs intended to assist students in attending universities, including Bright Flight.   

“We can’t fund everything everywhere 100 percent every time,” Nixon said. 

In spite of this, Nixon said he sees the program especially benefiting students who pursue dual enrollment with community colleges, or get a two year degree then move on to a 4 year university, and also cited freezing tuition.

“The A+ program is very important, and as additional schools come online and get the qualifications, it is extremely important that we submit a clear call signal from the state that we will have the resources to back up the schools that take the time, money, energy and resources to make themselves A+ eligible,” Nixon said.