Our school year is well under way, and as we review our student numbers so far we have observed decreases at the elementary and middle school buildings and a significant increase at the high school building. The elementary is down 30 students, going from 813 to 783. The middle school is down 13 students, going from 437-424. The high school …

The start of the school year has been relatively smooth considering we have been working around a myriad of construction scenarios since the arrival of our students. Many of our extracurricular activities are preparing to start their seasons and activities as we head into the fall schedule. Our first home football game is this Friday vs. Salem. I hope to …

I want to thank the students, staff, parents and community members for the recent support demonstrated at the August 7 Groundbreaking Ceremony. Despite some rainfall prior to the event, we had an outstanding turnout. It was an enjoyable afternoon of celebrating this historic event for the future of St. James R-I School District and the students who will benefit because …

As we enter into a new school year, I am excited about the many opportunities that lie ahead. We continue to build a strong foundation based on great teachers and staff, a supportive Board, and an engaged community. The week before students arrive, our educational staff participates in professional development days to learn, share their expertise, and collaborate with each …

The 2019-2020 school year will begin next Wednesday, August 14. We are excited to welcome our students and staff back for another great year at St. James R-I Schools. This school year will be like no other due to the complexities of the building projects on the elementary and high school campuses. The renovation project at the high school will …

If you have been anywhere near the elementary and high school campuses the past few days, you will have noticed quite a deal of demo and dirt movement on the southeast side of the elementary school. The beloved elementary playground/basketball court area behind the elementary was the first thing to go. This area will be the site of the improved …

Evidence of forthcoming construction finally took place this past week! Fencing has been placed around portions of the high school and elementary in preparation for construction. Heavy equipment is starting to arrive on both campuses. BRANCO conducted pre-construction meetings with all subcontractors last Friday. Construction phasing and other details were conveyed to the contractors during these meetings. Presently, contractors are …

As the superintendent of schools, one of the most important responsibilities of mine is to develop and continue to foster strong relationships within our community. The success of our school district depends on building these positive relationships. Our school and community have always functioned as a highly cooperative team over the years, and we want it to remain this way …

In 1740, Ben Franklin recommended school libraries as essential elements in learning academies. In 1744, the Penn Charter School in Philadelphia designated the first known school library space within its school. In 1876, nineteen states had legislation passed allowing for the development of school libraries; 826 school libraries were reported during this year. In 1900, Mary Kingsbury, the first trained …

The St. James Board of Education is committed to the community, most importantly to our children and the spaces in which they learn and grow with us. However, we are also committed to serving the hard-working, dedicated constituents who entrust us to be responsible stewards of their resources and children’s future. The past few months have been challenging, but also …