From the Superintendent Amy Ruzicka

Dear Bayless Community,

baylessk12.org

@BaylessSchools

As I reflect upon the 2022-2023 school year, two words come to mind: community and momentum. In the previous issue of we focused on community. This issue is dedicated to momentum.

March 2023 was a particularly momentous month for the Bayless School District. On March 7, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released Annual Performance Reports for districts across the state. Bayless scored higher than any other district in the region on student growth in English and math and growth in English for student groups. Additionally, Bayless is the only district in St. Louis County with enrollment growth of more than 1% since 2019.

Also, on March 7, Bayless was highlighted in the State Board of Education President’s Report. The Missouri Spotlight on Success celebrated the district’s expansion of afterschool activities to provide all students the opportunity to discover their passions, connect with peers and learn from positive adult role models. Under the leadership of District Activities Director Kelly Stahlhuth, numerous Elementary and Junior High activities and intramural athletics were added: Broncho Beast fitness, kickball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, sports sampler, track events, baseball, chess, cooking and more.

On March 8, St. Louis County issued an occupancy permit for the new Bayless Junior High addition, which boasts over 18 educational spaces, a library media center, a band room and an outdoor classroom. Several classrooms began moving to the new space on March 8 to allow renovations to begin in the new Bayless Junior High cafeteria. The nearly 30,000 square-foot addition to relieve overcrowding in the Junior High and High School was made possible by the community’s support of Proposition 1 bonds approved by voters in 2019.

With our outstanding growth in academics, extracurriculars, facilities and enrollment, we have built tremendous momentum as a school community over the past 155 years. I am excited for the work ahead to keep this momentum going with the Best Team Ever: the students, families, staff, community members and Board of Education who help make Bayless a wonderful place to learn, grow and work.

Amelia A. Ruzicka Superintendent of Schools