Thursday 28th March 2024


Sedalia School District 200 School Board members and administrators were joined by members of the Richard and Mary Ann Loftus
family to break ground Saturday, October 12, on the $10.5 million Loftus Early Childhood Center on the campus of Smith-Cotton High School.
A news release says Dr. Richard Loftus and his wife, Joyce; and Dr. Daniel Loftus were in attendance to represent the Loftus family, longtime supporters of education and the district. Also in attendance were State Representative Bradley Pollitt; Dennis Paul and Robby Paul of Septagon Construction; and Jay Berendzen of the architectural firm of Porter, Berendzen & Associates.
After Richard and Joyce Loftus unveiled a sign depicting an artist’s rendering of the facility, current students of the Pettis County Early Childhood Cooperative helped board members and others turn shovels of dirt to mark the official start of the project.
Board President Dr. Jeffrey Sharp said, “This center will enhance the evaluation and instruction of children who have physical and developmental challenges. We will be able to expand our programs to many other students thanks to the Loftus family’s generous donation. This building is another example of the partnership between the patrons of the Sedalia 200 district, generous private donations and prudent fiscal management of the Board of Education.”
Daniel Loftus said his family is “very truly humbled and honored to have our family name associated with your great facility. My parents, Richard and Mary Ann, longtime residents of Sedalia, they always knew the value of education and the importance of helping your neighbor and stepping up. They learned these things from you, the people of Sedalia, by example.”
Sedalia 200 Superintendent Steve Triplett said, “We are so blessed to be able to add another top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art facility to our district.”
Photo: Dr. Richard Loftus, left, and his wife, Joyce, right, unveil a sign that will be displayed at the site of the Loftus Early Childhood Center during a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, October 12, on the campus of Smith-Cotton High School. At the podium is Sedalia 200 Superintendent Steve Triplett. (Photo courtesy of Sedalia School District 200)