Midland Empire Conference Announces Expansion for 2028-2029 School Year

Four new schools will join the conference, establishing a new two-division structure.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a basketball in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the excitement and competitive spirit of the Midland Empire Conference's expansion.The MEC's expansion will bring new energy and regional rivalries to high school sports across central Missouri.Marshall Today

The Midland Empire Conference (MEC) has announced that Marshall Public Schools, Moberly School District, Mexico Public Schools, and Kirksville R-III School District will join the conference beginning with the 2028-2029 school year. This expansion will establish a new two-division structure designed to enhance competitive balance, strengthen regional rivalries, and improve travel efficiency for student-athletes and activity participants.

Why it matters

The conference expansion reflects the MEC's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students while addressing the logistical challenges schools face in scheduling and transportation. The new two-division model aims to create more balanced competition and foster stronger regional connections between member schools.

The details

The conference will now include an eastern and western division, with Marshall, Chillicothe, Kirksville, Mexico, and Moberly making up the East Division, and Benton, Bishop LeBlond, Cameron, Excelsior Springs, Maryville, and Savannah making up the West Division. Activity-by-activity scheduling, governance, and transition planning will be coordinated among the member districts before the 2028-2029 start date.

  • The MEC Board of Controls meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026 resulted in strong support for adding the four new schools.
  • The expansion will take effect starting with the 2028-2029 school year.

The players

Midland Empire Conference

A high school athletic conference in Missouri that has announced an expansion to include four new member schools.

Marshall Public Schools

One of the four new schools joining the MEC conference beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.

Moberly School District

One of the four new schools joining the MEC conference beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.

Mexico Public Schools

One of the four new schools joining the MEC conference beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.

Kirksville R-III School District

One of the four new schools joining the MEC conference beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.

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The takeaway

The MEC's expansion demonstrates its commitment to enhancing competitive balance, fostering regional rivalries, and improving logistical considerations for its member schools and student-athletes. This two-division model aims to strengthen the conference's long-term stability and provide more meaningful opportunities for students across central Missouri.