• GOODMAN ELEMENTARY NAMED NATIONAL ESEA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

GOODMAN ELEMENTARY NAMED NATIONAL ESEA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
 
Neosho, Mo., January 7, 2026 – The Neosho School District is proud to announce that Goodman Elementary has been named a National Elementary And Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School by the state education agency in Missouri. This prestigious honor, awarded to only up to 100 schools nationwide each year, highlights the school’s exceptional achievement and commitment to student success. Goodman Elementary has been recognized in the CATEGORY 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups.
 
A surprise celebration will take place Friday, January 16 at 9:00 a.m. at Goodman Elementary, located at 117 N School St, Goodman, MO 64843. This event will unveil the honor in front of the entire school.
 
“On behalf of Goodman Elementary, I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” Goodman Principal Tyler Gordon, said. “This award reflects the strength of a small rural school grounded in purpose and sustained by an extraordinary community. We serve approximately 240 students from diverse backgrounds, including multilingual learners and a significant number of students qualifying for additional support. Every day, our staff is committed to ensuring each child is supported, valued and given the opportunity to grow,” he added.

The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1996, celebrates schools that have made significant improvements in education through effective use of federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds. Schools are recognized in one of three categories:
CATEGORY 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
CATEGORY 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups
CATEGORY 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English learners)
                                                           
Gordon described the journey as not without challenges. “When the 2017 tornado struck the heart of our school, it tested us in ways we never expected,” Gordon said. He shared what followed was the definition of neighbors helping neighbors, staff supporting families and students lifting one another up. “That moment reinforced our belief that growth does not stop when storms come; it continues because our roots are strong,” Gordon said.
 
The 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools will be formally recognized at the 2026 National ESEA Conference in Denver, CO, February 10–12, 2026.
 
“This recognition belongs to our teachers, staff, families and community partners who work together with a shared purpose,” Gordon said. “Their dedication, resilience and belief in our students drive everything we do. We remain committed to nurturing growth in every hallway and every classroom. Thank you for honoring the collective effort that makes Goodman Elementary a place where students and staff truly grow together,” Gordon said.
 
For more information about the National ESEA Network, please visit www.ESEAnetwork.org.
 
For additional information, please contact Johanna Hall, director of communications, Neosho School District, 417-629-7231, halljohanna@neoshosd.org.