Lindbergh Schools Leader Anxiously Awaits Joplin News; Led Joplin Schools 7 Years

Joplin's devastation from Sunday's tornado is a particularly horrible nightmare for Lindbergh District Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Simpson.

Simpson spent seven years in Joplin as superintendent of the school system, before leaving for the Lindbergh district three years ago. He came to know many, many people in his job as superintendent to a student population of 7,600.

"You know where they live. And when you see block after block destroyed. . .it's a challenge that humbles us all," Simpson said.

He spoke Monday afternoon during a special press conference at Lindbergh district central offices. Simpson said he had corresponded with some of Joplin's residents.

"They are in shock," Simpson said, suggesting that the only thing on most people's minds now was saving people from the rubble.

Simpson explained that the 2,000-student high school was destroyed—a campus about the same size as Lindbergh High School.

Two elementary schools were destroyed.

The district central administration offices were destroyed.

The vocational school was destroyed.

A middle school lost its roof.

"What school district could sustain such a blow, and be ready for school in August? It's mind boggling," Simpson said.

He said  the Joplin district was hoping to account for students and staff—and whether anyone was hurt—through Facebook and email. No other systems were available, except word of mouth.

"I think there is going to be quite a bit of sadness, after the list is out—the list of fatalities," Simpson said, pausing a moment.

Later, Simpson suggested that other school districts would likely take students aboard in August if necessary, saying Lindbergh was probably too far away for that. But he hoped districts around the state might be able to help in some fashion.

"They may need textbooks," Simpson cited as an example.

The schools destroyed by the tornado serve 3,000 students during the week, Simpson said. He suggested it was "unthinkable" if school had been in session when the storm struck.

C.J. Huff became superintendent of the Joplin School District three years ago, when Simpson left. The Joplin High School had been totally remodeled before the tornado hit.

Simpson said the house where he lived was about a mile from the path of the tornado. He said he knew the director of St. John's Medical Center, the facility that took a direct hit, and some patients lost their lives.