Concluding her first full year as the leader of St. Joseph Public Schools, Superintendent Kristen Bawks received an Effective rating in her annual performance review conducted by the Board of Education. Effective is the highest possible rating under the revised three-tiered evaluation system.

In a statement from the school board, the review is a mandated annual process and assesses the superintendent across eight critical areas, including governance and board relations, stakeholder relations, employee relations, educational leadership, operations, and finance. The overall rating also incorporates a student growth component and a score related to goal achievement, reflecting a holistic view of the superintendent’s performance.

Board President Kerry Wright expressed the Board’s commendation for Superintendent Bawks’ leadership.

“The Board is proud to award Superintendent Bawks the highest rating of ‘Effective’ in her annual evaluation. Her leadership is rooted in strong relationships and a deep, personal understanding of our school community—gained through more than 21 years of dedicated service as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and now as superintendent.”

Wright concluded saying of Bawks, “Her commitment to students, staff, and families continues to drive meaningful progress across our district. We look forward to her continued service in this role.”