PERRYVILLE – Eighth District Missouri Congressman Jason Smith visited the Perry County District 32 campus Tuesday afternoon during a tour of stops across southeast Missouri.
Congressman Smith joined representatives from District 32, Perry County, and the City of Perryville for a tour of the Perryville High School building that was decimated by a tornado last March.
Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones provided an overview of the damages to the facility, the challenges PHS has faced since the storm, and the Proposition K.I.D.S. ballot initiative that would provide a new home for PHS students.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the shape that the high school is in, but what stands out most is the resilience of the staff and students I spoke with,” Smith said. “Perryville has an unbreakable spirit, and I will keep working to ensure they have the support they need to fully recover.”
Smith concluded his visit to District 32 by meeting with members of the Perryville FFA chapter in celebration of National FFA Week. Smith spoke with the students about his experience in FFA and how that involvement continues to influence his career in agriculture and politics. Smith answered questions from students and provided insight into his job as a U.S. Representative.
“We are grateful to Rep. Smith for taking the time to visit our campus and see firsthand the impact the tornado has had on our high school facility,” said District 32 Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones. “His willingness to tour the damage and spend time speaking with our FFA students means a great deal to our district. We appreciate his interest in our recovery efforts and his support of the educational opportunities we provide for our students.”