Republic School District’s commitment to supporting its youngest learners has earned statewide recognition. The district’s Republic Early Childhood Center has been named the 2025 Early Childhood Education Program of the Year in the medium district category by FutureBuilders, the educational foundation of the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA).
The award was announced at the MSBA Annual Conference, held October 23-25 in Kansas City. Each year, just three Missouri school districts – one small, one medium and one large – receive this recognition. The award celebrates public school districts that demonstrate innovation, family engagement and strong community partnerships to advance quality early learning opportunities for children.
“Republic School District’s Early Childhood Center exemplifies what it means to invest in the future by supporting our youngest learners. Their program blends innovation, family engagement, and strong community partnerships – creating a model of excellence for all early childhood centers,” said Melissa Randol, Executive Director, Missouri School Boards’ Association. “This honor reflects the district’s deep commitment to ensuring every child has the foundation to thrive in school and in life. The Republic community is truly fortunate to have such a remarkable resource — one that inspires growth and strengthens the fabric of the entire community.”
Since its founding in 2010, the MSBA FutureBuilders Early Childhood Awards program has honored districts that go above and beyond in preparing students for kindergarten and beyond. Republic’s Early Childhood Center stood out among competitive applicants statewide for its innovative programming, dedicated staff, and strong partnerships with families and community organizations.
Republic Early Childhood Center serves 3- and 4-year-old students through a blend of preschool programming, special education services and early intervention supports – all focused on building a foundation for lifelong learning. Students engage in a research-based curriculum led by certified teachers, ensuring that every learning experience is intentional, developmentally appropriate and academically enriching.
“Our team feels incredibly honored to be recognized with this award,” said Mrs. Alyssa Phillips, Principal of Republic Early Childhood Center. “It’s a reflection of the passion and dedication our staff pours into serving our littlest learners each day. We’re privileged to play a role in building those first school experiences that set the tone for kindergarten and beyond – helping every child grow in confidence, curiosity and joy.”
Republic’s early learning focus has been a priority for the district in recent years. In 2021, the community supported a no tax rate increase bond issue that allowed the district to construct a new building, doubling the number of students served by the Early Childhood Center the following year, ensuring more families have access to quality preschool opportunities.
“Early learning lays the foundation for a child’s success not only in school but in life,” said Dr. Matt Pearce, Superintendent of Republic Schools. “We’re proud to see our Early Childhood Center recognized for the outstanding work happening every day within its walls. This honor also highlights the power of our community’s support. That investment is truly paying off.”
The Republic School District extends its gratitude to MSBA and FutureBuilders for recognizing this important work and for their ongoing advocacy of early education across Missouri.
To learn more about the Republic Early Childhood Center, and how to enroll, visit republicschools.org/aboutec.
Pictured above (from left to right): Dr. Christy Coursey, Executive Director of Elementary Learning; Mrs. Alyssa Phillips, Republic EC Principal; Mrs. Shaina McMunn, Republic EC Assistant Principal
Pictured above: Republic EC staff standing together with a banner that says, "Congratulations EC Team!" Teammates are holding embroidered jackets gifted to them by the school's PTO in celebration of the award.