JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - Joplin School District officials say an online survey indicates that at least 135 students affected by the May 22 tornado won't return to the district this fall.
The district surveyed parents of its 7,747 students after the May 22 tornado damaged or destroyed several schools. About half of the parents responded.
Superintendent C.J. Huff told the Joplin Board of Education Thursday that he expects the number of students not returning to increase when school starts Aug. 17.
He says parents of 1,297 students said they were affected by the tornado. The survey found 271 students won't return, with 135 saying it was because of the tornado.
The Joplin Globe reports that Huff says the district's repair of its buildings will be completed by Aug. 10 after modular classrooms are installed.
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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com