ECLC Renamed the Mike and Teresa Parson Early Childhood Center
The Bolivar R-I School District has officially renamed its early childhood facility the Mike and Teresa Parson Early Childhood Center, honoring the former governor and first lady for their lifelong dedication to public education, workforce development, and early learning across Missouri and within their home community.
The renaming accompanies a major physical and educational expansion made possible by a $3 million state budget appropriation in the 2025 Missouri state budget under Parson’s leadership. The project adds four new classrooms to accommodate growing local enrollment while expanding early childhood access for Bolivar families.
The newly expanded facility will open its doors to students in August for the Fall 2026 semester. Members of the community are invited to attend an official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on Tuesday, August 11, at 4:00 PM at the center.
In addition to physical growth, the center serves as the hub for a "Grow Your Own" early childhood education pipeline that allows high school students to earn college credits toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education while gaining hands-on, on-site experience through BOMO Works apprenticeships directly inside the center’s classrooms.
District officials noted that the naming honors a broader legacy of statewide educational support under Parson’s leadership. Key milestones during his tenure included the establishment of the Office of Childhood in 2021, significant funding expansions enabling public school districts to enroll preschool students, and expanded support for Career and Technical Education pathways. His administration also fully funded the state Foundation Formula and raised baseline teacher salaries statewide from $25,000 to $40,000.
"Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson have been relentless champions for Missouri's children, our teachers, and the future of our workforce," said Dr. Michael Methvin, superintendent of Bolivar R-I Schools. "From creating the Office of Childhood and expanding preschool funding to championing Career and Technical Education, their leadership changed the trajectory of public education in our state. Renaming our early childhood center in their honor is an opportunity to express our gratitude for their vision and commitment to public education."
"Teresa and I are deeply honored by this recognition right here in our home community of Bolivar," former Governor Mike Parson said. "We have always believed that an investment in early childhood education is an investment in the foundational future of Missouri. Seeing local school districts partner with higher education institutions to train the next generation of educators while giving our youngest learners a strong start is precisely what workforce development is all about."
For more information regarding the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony or early childhood enrollment, contact the Bolivar R-I School District central office at (417) 326-5291 or visit www.bolivarschools.org.