2006 Outstanding Rural District Administrator
Joan Patrick
Launch the media gallery 1 playerJoan Patrick is currently the Superintendent of the Bevier C-4 School District at Bevier, Missouri. Her commitment to students and education began thirty-three years ago as a classroom instructor and for over 20 years as the district administrator, she has proven to be a "true professional."
In analyzing her thirty-three years of dedicated service to the residents of the Bevier School District, there are several descriptive works that immediately come to mind: "open minded," "fair," "understanding," and "always willing to listen". The length of her tenure, in and of itself, speaks to her strong relationship with the students, faculty, school board, and patrons of the district. She has completely devoted her teaching and administrative career to the most precious gift in this world and that is our children. The children and the welfare of the Bevier school district is always on her mind.
During her tenure with the Bevier School District, Joan Patrick has guided the district through several program changes. The district has been able to add more class offerings in the junior high and high school, the A+ program, the employment of additional staff members, keeping the class sizes smaller. Some of the elementary classes have been split in an attempt to improve student performance. Through Joan's leadership the district has been able to accomplish several capital improvement projects. The district was able to construct a new elementary building (named the Joan C. Patrick Elementary) without the need to pass a bond issue. The installation of a new metal roof, new sidewalks were constructed, a new fence around the playground, a parking lot for student parking, a new gymnasium floor and new bleachers installed, upgrade of the district school buses as needed and a new heating system. To put all of this in perspective, when Ms. Patrick because superintendent of Bevier, the district was in financial trouble. Under her "gentle" leadership, students of Bevier will receive the benefits of a quality education not only today but into the future.
One staff member shares that, "any teacher, staff member, or student can go into her office and talk about any concerns they have pertaining to the district" Another staff member shares that because of her strong leadership, the district has earned the coveted Distinction for Performance Award for three consecutive years and has been fully accredited following each MSIP review. Joan would be very humble and not take credit for any of these accomplishments, but she is well deserving.
Because of Joan Patrick's dedication to the faculty, staff, students and community of the Bevier C-4 School District, her leadership exhibit's the qualities as the Missouri Outstanding Rural District Administrator for 2006.