(Joplin, MO) – Joplin Schools’ Board of Education has accepted the retirement plans of Justin Crawford, Esq., district Director of Human Resources and in-house legal counsel, effective October 9, 2026.
Crawford taught in Joplin Schools from 2001-2011. Following the 2011 tornado, he worked as an instructional coach from 2011-2015, when he stepped away from education to pursue his Juris Doctor from the Washburn University School of Law. He returned to the district in 2019 as the Director of Education Support and Human Resources.
Under Crawford’s leadership, Joplin Schools strengthened its relationships with the Joplin National Education Association and the Joplin Education Support Professionals bargaining units — partnerships that led to a first-of-its-kind stipend review committee and more competitive stipend packages for staff, coaches, and club sponsors. Working closely with the district’s finance department and union leadership, he helped build some of the most competitive benefits packages and the highest base teacher salaries among Southwest Missouri public schools. At the same time, he reduced the district’s unemployment charges and helped to drop the district’s workers comp MOD rate, reflecting broader gains in efficiency across the department.
“Mr. Crawford is a valued member of the central office team and the district as a whole,” said Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta. “His work as a teacher at Joplin High School and lately, his work as director of human resources has helped elevate our district’s profile in numerous ways. Justin’s ‘way of doing business’ will be missed. He has a unique skill set to handle very difficult situations with respect and dignity, as well as pursue department goals for improvement and the means necessary to assist our employees with expanding and improving benefits.”
A retirement celebration will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on Thursday, October 8, in Talon Room 1 at the Joplin Schools Administration Building (825 S. Pearl Ave.).
“After more than 20 years with Joplin Schools, I’m incredibly grateful for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped my career and my perspective on leadership. Working in education has taught me that the success of any organization ultimately comes down
to its people and the culture you build around them,” said Crawford. “While it is difficult to close a chapter that has meant so much to me, I’m proud of the work we have accomplished at Joplin Schools, grateful for the relationships I’ve built along the way, and excited about the opportunity to bring what I’ve learned into upcoming opportunities.”
About Joplin Schools:
Joplin Schools is committed to providing every student with high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. The district continues to invest in its people, programs, and facilities to ensure Joplin remains a destination district for families across the region.
Reference:
Sarah Coyne, Director of Communications
Joplin Schools
sarahcoyne@joplinschools.org
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