Cedar Rapids superintendent Benson on Joplin: 'A real tragedy'

As survivors begin to pick up the pieces left behind by Sunday's tornado in Joplin, Mo., Cedar Rapids Superintendent Dave Benson remembers the district that launched his education career.

“It's a real tragedy,” Benson said.

Benson's first teaching position was at Parkwood High School, now Joplin Senior High. He did his student teaching at the school and was later hired to teach social science classes.

Benson spent three years at the school, from 1972 to 1975. He doesn't know anyone who works in the district today.

“I understand that the high school is pretty torn up,” Benson said. “It's devastating.”

According to news reports, "significant damage" has been reported to at least four buildings in the Joplin school district. The tornado damaged Joplin High, Cecil Floyd Elementary, Franklin Technology Center and the central office building.

Some of the schools that escaped damage are being opened as shelters.

District officials canceled classes today. Administrators said it's like classes will be canceled for the next several days.