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Current events
By Steve Waters
Matthews School currently (2005) operates grades K-5 under the New Madrid County Central R-1 School District. A bond issue was proposed, which would have resulted in the closure of the Matthews, Lilbourn and New Madrid Elementary Schools. The plan was to create a new elementary “pod” on the grounds of the current R-1 campus located between New Madrid and Howardville.
A Concerned Citizens Committee* was established by residents of Matthews including Big Prairie and West Townships. The proposal was defeated on November 5, 2002 by over 63% of the voters.
The Concerned Citizens then proceeded with a plan to bring back the Matthews School District. The district would have a tax base estimated at $46 million and Big Prairie Township had become the 3rd largest township in New Madrid County and the only township showing population growth.
The proposed district was rejected by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in August of 2005.
(*Matthews Mayor Gene Curtis kicked off the Committee in 2002 and asked Mr. R. D. Mills of Matthews to chair meetings. Mr. James Hux of Sikseton served as the C. C. C. Attorney. The number of people working, raising funds, serving as committee members and supporters are too numberous to mention. The community spirit in Big Prairie and West Townships was outstanding!
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History of Matthews High School: 1906-19.76 Benton B. and Glenda W. Conrad, January 1976 Additional information added February 1994 by Bonnie Conrad Nelson, 2nd information added November 2005 by Steve Waters