Welcome Back! Classes
Pattonville School District
11097 St. Charles Rock Road
St. Ann, MO 63074-1509
Welcome from the superintendent
Dr. Barry Nelson Superintendent Follow on Instagram: @Barry_NelsonPSD
With the new academic year starting in Pattonville on Aug. 19, I’m honored to welcome our students, parents and community members to the new school year. As we begin the new school year, we are committed to delivering high-quality instruction and programs that will engage and challenge our students, nurturing their intellectual curiosity and growth outside the classroom. We will also continue to prioritize the overall well-being of our students by implementing rigorous safety protocols to ensure a secure and healthy environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
I am excited to share that we made significant progress in the first year of our five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). One of our key achievements was defining the Pattonville Portrait of a Graduate, highlighting the six essential elements illustrated by a Pattonville graduate. This guide will help shape our students’ journeys from their first day to graduation (see story on page 6).
We are excited for all Pattonville students to continue their journey with personalized learning, enhanced by the development of learner profiles. Our middle school students will keep building their Individual Career and Academic Pathways (ICAPs), enabling them to explore various career and postsecondary opportunities. At the high school level, we remain dedicated to advancing our career pathways, extended learning opportunities (ELOs) and Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) programs.
Beyond our academic focus, we have made visible progress on facility improvements across the district this summer, thanks to the community’s support of the Prop S no-tax-rate-increase bond issue passed in April 2022. We are eagerly anticipating the completion of projects at Bridgeway, Parkwood and Willow Brook elementary schools and Holman Middle School, as well as enhancements to our family and consumer science (FACS) rooms and science labs at Pattonville High School (see story on page 7). As we enter Phase 2B of the bond issue construction work this upcoming school year, exciting improvements will occur at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center, Drummond and Rose Acres elementary schools and Pattonville Heights Middle School. These efforts will ensure our facilities meet the highest standards and provide our students with exceptional educational experiences.
In closing, I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support and partnership. Together, we can foster an environment where every student is inspired to learn, grow and succeed. I am excited about the possibilities of this new academic year and look forward to collaborating with our exceptional educators, students, parents and community members on this journey.
Warm regards,
Dr. Barry Nelson, Superintendent
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-2025
AUGUST
19 - First day of school
SEPTEMBER
2 - No school for Labor Day holiday
OCTOBER
4-5 - Pattonville homecoming
4 - Early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon for staff collaboration
15 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade); Holman and Pattonville Heights dismiss at 11:15 a.m.
16 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade); early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon
17 - No school following conferences
18 - No school for fall break
NOVEMBER
5 - No school for staff development/Election Day
27-29 - No school for Thanksgiving holiday
DECEMBER
19-20 - High school dismisses at 10:30 a.m. for finals
20 - Early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon for staff collaboration
23-31 - No school for winter break
JANUARY
1-2 - No school for winter break
3 - No school for staff collaboration
6 - School resumes
17 - No school for staff development
20 - No school for Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
FEBRUARY
14 - No school for staff development
17 - No school for Presidents Day holiday
MARCH
7 - Early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon for staff collaboration
12 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade); Holman and Pattonville Heights dismiss at 11:15 a.m.
13 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade); early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon
14 - No school following conferences 17-21 - No school for spring break
APRIL
18 - No school for spring holiday
21 - No school for staff development
MAY
26 - No school for Memorial Day holiday 27-28 - High school dismisses at 10:30 a.m. for finals
28 - Last day for students; early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon
29 - Report day for staff
29 - Pattonville High School graduation 29-30 - Possible make-up days
JUNE
2-5 - Possible make-up days
End of the Year/Summer School Note
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Aug. 14 - Back-to-School Open House/Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m.
Sept. 19 - Popsicles on the Playground, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Bridgeway Elementary School
Aug. 9 - Jump Start to Kindergarten, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 15 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 18 - Chalk the Walk, 4 to 5 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Back-to-School Jam, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Drummond Elementary School
Aug. 15 - Grades 1-5 Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Meeting, 5 to 6 p.m.
Sept. 12 - Open House, 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a PTO meeting at 6 p.m.
Parkwood Elementary School
Aug. 12 - Kindergarten Parent Meeting (via Zoom webinar, with recording available after), 4 to 5 p.m.
Aug. 14 - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop Off, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 15 - Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop Off (Grades 1-5), 5 to 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 - PTA Back-to-School Bash, 6 to 8 p.m.
Rose Acres Elementary School
Aug. 8 - Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Meeting, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 15 - Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 - PTO Back-to-School Bash, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Willow Brook Elementary School
Aug. 15 - Grades 1-5 Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 27 - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Curriculum Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Academy of Innovation at Remington
Aug. 15 - PTO Back to School Bash, 5 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 14 - K-5 Meet the Teacher/Open House/Scavenger Hunt, 4 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 14 - Middle School Open House, 6 to 7 p.m.
Holman Middle School
Aug. 7 - Schedule/iPad pick-up for 7th and 8th grades, 4 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 8 - 6th Grade Jump Start Day, 8:30 to noon (6th graders pick up schedules and iPads at this time)
Aug. 8 - Schedule pick-up for 6th-8th grades, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Open House, 6:30 p.m.
Pattonville Heights Middle School
Aug. 6 - Schedule pick-up for 6th grade and schedule/iPad pick-up for 8th grade, 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Aug. 7 - Schedule pick-up for 6th grade and schedule/iPad pick-up for 7th grade, 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Aug. 8 - 6th Grade Transition Day, 8:10 to 10:40 a.m. (6th graders pick up iPads during this time)
Aug. 29 - Open House, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Sept. 9 - PTO Meeting, 6 p.m.
To see district and school events, visit www.psdr3.org/ about-our-district/calendar or visit your student’s school website.
May 29 and 30 and June 2-5 are designated as possible make-up days in the 2024-2025 school year should the district need to cancel school for inclement weather or other emergencies. Pattonville may have a virtual learning day instead of making up a day at the end of the school year. On a virtual learning day, students will experience a combination of independent work and virtual work with virtual support via Zoom from their classroom teachers. Specific information will be communicated based on the nature of the inclement weather or emergency situation. All school calendars are subject to change to be in compliance with state law, including the required number of emergency days and the agreed upon number of contracted days for staff. Summer school dates are dependent on the number of emergency days used during the regular school year and are subject to change.
Pattonville High School
Aug. 5 - Junior and senior registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 6 - Sophomore registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 7 - Freshman registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 8 - Late registration and new students to the district laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 9 - New Student and Freshman Transition Day, 7:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Aug. 12 - First day of fall sports practices
Aug. 22 - PHS Open House, 6:15 p.m.
Aug. 22 - POSITIVE School Meet and Greet, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
ENROLLMENT DETAILS
RETURNING STUDENTS
Parents/guardians of students who attended a school in Pattonville last year and currently still live in the district or are newly enrolled prior to July 1 are required to complete returning student registration by logging into their Parent Portal account with the username and password they have created. Families were sent an email on July 5 notifying them that returning student registration is open online. The email provides step-by-step instructions for completing the registration process. Families must complete this process in order for their child to receive a middle or high school schedule or be added to a class list at the elementary level. Parents/guardians needing to complete an affidavit of residency or custodial waiver will need to do so before completing returning student registration. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take a few moments to complete returning student registration to ensure their student is ready for the first day of school. The deadline to complete online registration is Aug. 5 for middle and high schools and Aug. 9 for elementary schools and the Academy of Innovation at Remington.
NEW STUDENTS
If you are new to Pattonville ... Welcome! The following are directions for students who were not enrolled in the Pattonville School District during the 2023-2024 school year. Students entering preschool can find enrollment information online at ec.psdr3.org or by contacting the office at 314-213-8105.
Who does this apply to?
New student enrollment includes students moving into the district for the first time or moving back to the district after a period of time; incoming kindergarten students not registered last spring (including those previously enrolled in Pattonville’s preschool programs); and students transferring from private, parochial or home school for the first time.
How do I register?
Parents/guardians of students in kindergarten through 12th grade must first complete their child(ren)’s online registration at bit.ly/RegisterNowforPattonville. Once this step is completed and parents/guardians have also uploaded the required enrollment documents to the online portal, a student services representative will review the documents. Parents will receive an email confirmation to confirm application status. If additional information is needed to complete enrollment, the student services office will contact the applicant.
School Notes
School hours
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
• Full Day: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Half Day (morning): 8:15 to 11:15 a.m.
• Half Day (afternoon): 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Elementary schools
• 8:55 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Academy of Innovation at Remington
• 8:05 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Middle schools
• 8:10 a.m. to 3:03 p.m.
Pattonville High School
• 7:23 a.m. to 2:18 p.m. (or 1:19 p.m. on C days)
Return to school information
Families can find out more about enrollment and see return to school information on the district’s back-toschool website at www.psdr3.org/families-students/ back-to-school-resources
Transportation
Pattonville provides bus service for all elementary students. Bus service is also provided for middle and high school students living more than a mile from school or on streets designated hazardous for walking. For more information, call the transportation department at 314-213-8125.
Breakfast and lunch
Nutritional breakfast and lunch options are offered for all students. Prices for meals are as follows:
Breakfast: Student Free
Adult $2.85
Lunch: Elementary $2.95
At Pattonville, students who qualify for reduced-priced have lunch at no charge. Applications are available in all schools and are approved by the building principal. Pattonville encourages all families who qualify to fill out the free/reduced lunch forms, as there may be additional benefits for families. For more information, visit www.psdr3.org/departments/food-services or call the food service office at 314-213-8054.
What documents are required to enroll my child?
Anyone enrolling a new student must provide documents that prove they reside in Pattonville, as well as other documentation required by law. Information needed to enroll is shown below. Additional information may be needed upon registration. Detailed checklists for homeowners, renters and families residing with a district resident can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enroll
• Photo ID of parent/legal guardian - A driver’s license or government-issued ID is acceptable. The biological, foster or adoptive parent may enroll the student. Guardians must have the proper guardianship forms signed and a copy of court authorization. Custody documentation is required in the case of divorce or emergency placement. NOTE: Power of attorney and hand-written letters are not acceptable as guardianship documents.
• The child’s birth certificate - Kindergartners must be 5 years old on or before July 31. First graders must be 6 years old on or before July 31.
• Immunization records are required by state law - Children cannot enroll after the first day of school without immunization records. Requirements can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment
• Proof that you live in the Pattonville School District - If you own or rent your home, please provide the following:
1. One of the following: Current mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days; an unexpired lease agreement or rental agreement that has been signed by all parties and includes the landlord’s contact information and lease start and end dates; 2023 paid real estate tax receipt; or current homeowner’s insurance policy declarations page.
2. Two of the following utility bills dated within the last 30 days: electric, gas, internet or water/ sewer. The bill must show the name of the parent/legal guardian enrolling the student and the service address.
If you live with someone else in Pattonville, you must complete an affidavit of residency. For more details and a checklist, contact a student services representative by phone at 314-213-8090 or by email at studentservices@psdr3.org.
What else do I need to know?
Parents will set up a PowerSchool Parent Portal account after registration is complete. This account will give parents/guardians access to their student’s grades and schedule and will also be used next school year for returning student registration.
When it snows...
In-person classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Pattonville may hold a virtual learning day on inclement weather days. In this case, students will experience a combination of independent work and virtual work with virtual support via Zoom from their classroom teachers. Students should check their email and/or log into Canvas or Seesaw at the start of the school day to view instructions from their teachers and to find out when their teachers are available for support.
Any decision to close schools due to weather will be announced using Pattonville’s automated messaging system (email, texts and/or phone calls). Announcements will also be made on local TV stations, the district website and Facebook and Instagram accounts. When possible, announcements regarding inclement weather days will be made before 10 p.m. the day before or at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day inclement weather is expected.
Pattonville may use a delayed start on inclement weather days. Under a delayed start, all Pattonville schools start two hours later than normal and end at the normal dismissal time.
NOTE: If you are the parent/guardian of a returning student and did not receive a phone call on a day when school was closed due to weather, please contact your child’s school office to ensure the district has the correct contact information on file for your family.
Other emergencies
Pattonville will use a number of ways to provide important information to Pattonville families about other emergencies or major school events. Depending on the situation, Pattonville may use email, an automated telephone calling system, text messages, the district website, mail, social media or the local media to keep families informed of important information. For this reason, it’s important that all parents provide their school office with their most current phone numbers (cell, home and/or work phone). If parents wish to be notified of important information or updates via email, they should provide their email address when enrolling. Pattonville will use the contact information it has on file in its student information system when communicating with parents.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit www.psdr3.org/enrollment or contact the student services department at 314213-8090 or studentservices@psdr3.org.
Services for the community
Library Access: The Pattonville High School library is open to Pattonville residents after school on Monday through Thursday during the school year when school is in session. For more information, call the library at 314-213-8129
55+ Club: The 55+ Club enables Pattonville’s senior residents to enjoy free access to school-sponsored events, including athletic events, plays and musicals. Pattonville hosts two dinner theaters for members to enjoy a meal and the high school play or musical. Members are kept up-to-date with a free newsletter subscription. For more information, contact Gracie Wrinkle at 314-213-8025 or wrinkleg02@psdr3.org.
Legal notices
Pattonville’s public notices comply with requirements from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and are aligned with the policies of the Pattonville Board of Education. View these legal notices on the Pattonville district website at www.psdr3.org/families-students/legal. Notices include: annual notification regarding student records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA); parents right to know; notice of nondiscrimination; special education services; rights of homeless students; programs for the disadvantaged; asbestos notice; procedure for public complaints/Section 504 grievance procedure; immunization requirements; free and reduced-price lunch program; and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) non-discrimination statement.
Keep up to date
Stay in the loop with news from Pattonville and sign up for district e-newsletters at www.psdr3.org/ news. Enrolled families who haven’t opted out will receive monthly e-newsletters from the district, and all residents receive the district’s print newsletter, Highlights, which is mailed seven times a year.
Pattonville history
Learn more about the Pattonville School District and the area at www.psdr3.org/about-our-district/history
CONTACTS
Our Schools
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
2900 Adie Road, St. Ann, MO 63074
Dr. Greg Cicotte, Director • 314-213-8100
Bridgeway Elementary School
11635 Oakbury Court, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Dr. Bill Casner, Principal • 314-213-8012
Drummond Elementary School
3721 St. Bridget Lane, St. Ann, MO 63074
Jason Van Beers, Principal • 314-213-8419
Parkwood Elementary School
3199 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Melissa Yount-Ott, Principal • 314-213-8015
Rose Acres Elementary School
2905 Rose Acres Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Dr. Adam Crnko, Principal • 314-213-8017
Willow Brook Elementary School
11022 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146
Dr. Ashley Deckelman, Principal • 314-213-8018
Academy of Innovation at Remington
102 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Dr. Don Furjes, Principal • 314-213-8016
Holman Middle School
11055 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074
Dr. Tamika Dukes, Principal • 314-213-8032
Pattonville Heights Middle School
195 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Dr. Mark Houston, Principal • 314-213-8033
Pattonville High School
2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Teisha Ashford, Principal • 314-213-8051
Other Contacts
55+ Club Membership/Oasis Tutoring
Gracie Wrinkle, Coordinator • 314-213-8025
After-Hours Emergency Number
314-576-0156
Alumni Information
Gracie Wrinkle, Liaison • 314-213-8025 Business Office
Nancy Henley, Director • 314-213-8006
Communications
Kelly Gordon, APR, Chief Communications Officer • 314-213-8025 Community and Staff Engagement
JoAnn Greenwell, Director • 314-213-8095
Employment
Visit www.psdr3.org/careers to view openings or apply. Facilities
David Winslow, Director • 314-213-8040
Finance
Mary Jo Gruber, CPA, Chief Financial Officer • 314-213-8005 Food Service
Audrey Westrich, Director • 314-213-8054
Human Resources
David Besgrove, Chief Human Resources Officer • 314-213-8063
Pattonville Learning Center
314-213-8500
Purchasing
Kim Butts, Director • 314-213-8036
Safety, Security and Emergency Management
Brian Whitfield, Director • 314-213-8392 Student Services/Special Education/Residency
Dr. Tori Cain, Assistant Superintendent • 314-213-8090
Superintendent
Dr. Barry Nelson • 314-213-8001 Teaching and Learning
Dr. Tina Plummer, Assistant Superintendent, 314-213-8007 Technology Services
Greg Southard, Director • 314-213-8050
Transportation
James Troxel, Director • 314-213-8125
A TOP-TIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Pattonville is nationally recognized for excellence
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN U.S.
NATIONAL PLTW DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
Out of about 450 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 11 among the Best School Districts on Niche.com’s 2024 Best Districts in America list. Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 6% of districts (No. 604 out of 10,932). In Missouri, the district is also ranked No. 1 for Most Diverse School Districts and No. 4 for Best Places to Teach. Niche is an online service that ranks private and public schools and districts based on dozens of statistics and opinions from students, parents and staff. Pattonville earned an overall grade of A from Niche, with grades ranging from A+ to A- in the following categories: administration, college prep, clubs and activities, diversity, resources and facilities and teachers.
BEST HIGH SCHOOLS LIST
Pattonville High School is ranked among the top high schools in Missouri and the nation on U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best High Schools list. Pattonville ranked No. 40 out of 618 high schools in Missouri, placing it in the Top 6% of high schools in the state. This is the 11th time Pattonville earned a spot on U.S. News’ Best High Schools list in the last 12 years. The U.S. News’ Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. About 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
MISSOURI OUTSTANDING BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Pattonville Board of Education was named a 2018 Outstanding Board of Education for Climate, Culture and Organizational Efficacy by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA). MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education awards encourage effective board practices and recognize outstanding board performance in six categories. The Pattonville board won MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education Award for Human and Organizational Capital in 2017; for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in 2016; and for Governance, Leadership and Accountability in 2013; and the MSBA Outstanding Board of Education Award in 2002, before boards were recognized in different categories. Pattonville’s board was also a finalist for the award in 2011 and 2008.
JOIN THE PATTONVILLE TEAM
Pattonville High School has been recognized as a 20232024 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School. Pattonville is one of just 291 high schools across the United States to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW (computer science, biomedical science, engineering). This is the fifth time and fourth straight year Pattonville has received this award: the high school also earned this recognition in the 2017-2018, 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S.
NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS
Rose Acres
Elementary School was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) by the U.S. Department of Education. Rose Acres was one of only seven schools in the state of Missouri to receive this honor. The program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Rose Acres met the criteria for Exemplary High Performing Schools, which means it is among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Only 367 schools across the U.S. were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020. Rose Acres is the first Pattonville school to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School since 1993. Previous honorees include Pattonville Heights Middle School in 1984, Holman Middle School in 1985 and Pattonville High School in 1993. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Gold Star School program uses the same criteria as the National Blue Ribbon Schools program.
FIND OUT MORE
View more honors and accolades earned by Pattonville at www.psdr3.org/about-our-district/points-of-pride.
The Pattonville School District is hiring for several positions including bus drivers, cooks, custodians, paraprofessionals and substitute employees. For more information or to apply, visit www.psdr3.org/careers
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up with Pattonville news by following the district on social media.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PSDR3
Instagram: @PattonvilleSD
X (formerly Twitter): @PattonvilleSD
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PattonvilleR3
Threads: @PattonvilleSD
Website: www.psdr3.org
Board approves budget for 2024-2025 school year
The Pattonville Board of Education on June 11 approved a $113.4 million operating budget for the 2024-2025 school year. This is primarily due to additional capital funds received in 2023-2024 for HVAC improvements throughout the district. The 2024-2025 budget was established based on several factors:
• Property value increase - Pattonville’s revenues are based on the assessed value of property in the district as set by the St. Louis County assessor’s office. Property values are assessed every two years, with 2024 being a non-reassessment year. However, total property values increased significantly in 2023 due to reassessment. Due to the increase in assessed values in 2023, significant protests to reduce these values can be expected. Local property tax revenue is budgeted to increase 1.5% and generate approximately $1.9 million in operating property tax revenue. Protested assessed values continue to remain a challenge for all of St. Louis County. For 2023-2024, the collection of delinquent property taxes is projected to result in a $1 million payback of settlements made in favor of the taxpayer. Therefore, a conservative $1 million payback of settlements is budgeted for 2024-2025.
• Revenues - Local revenue sources account for 85%, or $96 million, of the district’s total operating revenue budget, and current property taxes make up $84.1 million of this revenue. Only 11% of the district’s budget comes from state funding. This year’s budget represents a revenue decrease of 1.06%, or $128,770, at the state level. Total state revenue is estimated to be $12.1 million in 2024-2025, most coming from the Foundation Formula, the state’s formula for allocating education funds. Under this formula, Pattonville continues to be a hold harmless district, receiving $5.1 million per year or approximately $829 per student. The hold harmless designation means Pattonville received a higher level of funding under an older state formula than the current formula provides. As a result, Pattonville is held to the same level of funding it received in 1992. Pattonville receives the 511th lowest level of funding from the state out of 520 districts. The remainder of state revenue includes transportation, which is fully funded for the third straight school year since 1991, and early childhood special education, which is reimbursed at 100% of the district’s allowable costs. Federal revenue will decrease by 48.8%, primarily due to the ending of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding, meaning Pattonville will only see 4% of funds come from federal resources.
• Staff salaries - Salaries and benefits are the largest expenditure in the district budget and, in 2024-2025, will account for $90.2 million, or 80%, of the total district budget (excluding debt service and bond-funded construction). Pattonville is entering its final year of a three-year agreement in which teachers and support staff receive an overall 3.7% increase in salary and benefits each year. However, the budgeted cost to the district is lower due to staff retirements and resignations, many of them due to a separation incentive plan (SIP) offered in the 2021-2022 school year. Those accepting the incentive were replaced by staff with fewer years of experience and lower salaries. As a result, $500,000 of the projected savings is being used to make market adjustments to specific positions where Pattonville is experiencing staffing shortages. Overall, however, salaries will increase a total of 2.61% for 2024-2025, which is below the 3.7% salary schedule increase due to staff turnover as well as reductions in custodians and food service positions that have been eliminated in the 2024-2025 budget due to attrition.
• Total benefits - Total benefits will increase by 5.86% based on the district’s insurance allowance, taxes and contributions to the retirement system. The increase is primarily due to staffing vacancies and the 2023-2024 budget being revised down; however, the 2024-2025 budget has held these positions open and budgeted accordingly. The allowance for eligible staff to select health and dental benefits has been flat for eight out of the last 12 years, and is budgeted to remain flat for the
ALUMNI SUCCESS Graduates in
2024-2025 school year.
• Debt service fund increases due to construction - Work on Prop S, Pattonville’s $111 million no-tax rate bond issue, began during the 2022-2023 school year with most of the expenses being architect fees and stored materials from early bid packages. Construction work began last summer. As a result, the debt service fund will decrease $3,858,160 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year due to the $5 million principal payment on the 2024 issuance per the debt service schedule. Expenditures in this fund are for scheduled payments of principal and interest on the district’s outstanding general obligation bonds. The projected Prop S Phase 2B debt service payments on the $20 million of the $111 million in general obligation bonds authorized by voters in April 2022 are not included in this analysis and are anticipated to be sold in August 2024. Debt schedules will be revised once the sale is final. By law this fund can only be used for this purpose, and cannot be used to fund operations like salaries. This fund does not follow a typical fiscal year, and any deficit or surplus at a fiscal year end results from fluctuating principal and interest payments. Based on the current $.49 debt service tax levy, the district will begin the 2024-2025 fiscal year with $9.8 million available in the debt service fund balance. Currently the district maintains approximately one year of principal and interest payments in fund balance to accommodate the future debt payments from Prop S.
• Food service - An estimated $2.1 million is expected from the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program payments. Sales from food service is expected to remain flat from the 2023-2024 school year. The budget is based on conservative levels of expanded participation as the district struggles to return to pre-pandemic serving levels due to staffing shortages. The goal of the program for the 2024-2025 school year is to be fully staffed and bring full menu and a la carte options back. The district bid and renewed the food service management contract in June 2024 recommending Chartwells include transitioning all new hires to be hired as Chartwells employees to increase staffing levels (see page 6). Pattonville continues to be one of only seven districts in the area to offer free breakfast.
• State funding of transportation - Based on state statute, the state is expected to reimburse districts for 75% of their eligible transportation costs. During the 2022-2023 school year, and for the first time since 1991, the state paid its full portion of transportation costs. This resulted in $1.2 million in additional revenue for Pattonville during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years that has been used to fund transportation in the past. The state has budgeted for full funding during the 20242025 school year as well.
• Operating funds forecast - Local revenues are the largest source of revenue, and reassessment will occur in 2025-2026 and 2027-2028. Based on current conservative projections, the district will likely experience budget deficits beginning in 20262027. Projections are subject to changes in local property values and other factors such as health insurance and student enrollment.
Alexander “Louie” Perez, Class of 2019 - In March, Perez was called up by the Ambush to join the team as a forward. The Ambush is part of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Prior to being called up, Perez was playing with Ambush 2 (A2) in the MASL 2 league. In 12 games he played with the A2, Perez led the team in points with 22 and goals with 16, was tied for first in points per game average at 1.8 and was second in assists with six. Before joining the Ambush organization, Perez played semi-pro soccer in 2022 with the St. Louis Lions in the USL2 (United Soccer League) Heartland Division. Perez attended Missouri Baptist University where he earned All-AMC (American Midwest Conference) honorable mention four years. He also broke the university’s single-game record for points with nine. As a senior at Pattonville High School, Perez also set a school record for most goals in a season with 33. The team won the district title in 2017.
Louie Perez
Pattonville creates a Portrait of a Graduate, showcasing skills for all students
The Pattonville School district has developed its Portrait of a Graduate, a framework that establishes a vision of the skills students need in order to be successful in life post-graduation. A Portrait of a Graduate represents a school district’s vision for the 21st century skills, character traits and social-emotional competencies that students need to succeed in college, career and life. The Portrait of a Graduate is meant to complement academics as a measure of preparedness for life and presents a more well-rounded view of what success looks like.
“Creating Pattonville’s Portrait of a Graduate is about more than just academics,” superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson said. “It represents our school and community commitment to developing well-rounded students equipped with the skills, character traits and resilience needed for success in all aspects of life. This initiative is a collective vision from our school community, ensuring that Pattonville students are prepared for success.”
The development of Pattonville’s Portrait of a Graduate was a community effort. The district established a committee of students, parents, staff, community members, college educators, military personnel and more to represent the broad scope of individuals in the community. The committee discussed the responsibilities and goals of public schools in their community, as well as the traits and skills students need to be successful in adult life and ultimately worked together to create a collective picture of success for Pattonville students.
The committee established the following six skills a graduate needs to be successful in life and characteristics of each.
• Innovation — Generate original concepts; think forward; and build new paths;
• Communication — Shares information clearly in a variety of formats; interact and relate with cultural understanding; and listen to understand;
• Compassion — Empathize with others; nurture and show respect; and remain calm and understanding in challenging situations;
• Critical Thinking — Solve problems to create an impact; consider multiple perspectives; and strategize next steps;
• Collaboration — Create together; contribute to reaching a goal; interact respectfully; and
• Resilience — Adapt to change; learn from experiences; and persist when facing a challenge.
To illustrate the six skills, the district enlisted the help of high school students to develop a logo to represent a Portrait of a Graduate. Two designs were brought to the district Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) committee, which voted and selected a logo created by senior Gabby Kellner. After hers was selected, Kellner worked with the committee and district graphic designer Emily Groneck to finalize a design that represented the skills.
“It was an absolute honor to talk to Emily and work with an actual graphic designer,” Kellner said. “When you’re in high school and you talk to a professional and they treat you like an equal, it’s a great experience. She made this design what it is. I built the foundation and she built what everybody sees. But she still saw potential in my design, which feels pretty good.”
Two administrators named for 2024-2025
Two administrators have been named for the 2024-2025 school year. April Rainwater has been selected as a special education coordinator in Pattonville and Margo Souza was selected as the administrative intern at Willow Brook Elementary School.
The Special School District (SSD) Board of Education on June 11 approved the selection of Rainwater as the special education coordinator for Parkwood and Willow Brook elementary schools and the Academy of Innovation at Remington, effective July 1.
Rainwater was previously a special education teacher in SSD in the Mehlville School District and also served as an after-school SNAP (Special Non-Public Access Program) teacher. She began her teaching career at Holman Middle School as a special education center-based classroom teacher and as a social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) classroom teacher. Rainwater earned an associate degree in education from Jefferson College as well as a bachelor’s degree in education, two master’s degrees, one in teaching and the other in administration, and an educational specialist degree from Missouri Baptist University.
The Pattonville Board of Education on July 23 approved the selection of Souza as the administrative intern at Willow Brook, effective July 24. The elementary administrative intern position is intended to develop and assist in the leadership and growth of aspiring building principals as well as creating additional support for students and staff.
Souza was previously a fourth grade teacher at Lonedell Elementary School in the Lonedell R-XIV School District, where she also served as a summer school principal in 2022. She began her career in education in South Carolina as a third and fifth grade teacher at Kingsbury Elementary School. Souza earned her bachelor ’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from Maryville University and master’s degree in teaching and learning-leadership from Liberty University in Virginia. This year, she earned a master’s degree and is working towards her doctorate, both in educational leadership, from Maryville.
On May 14, the Pattonville Board of Education was presented information from the district teaching and learning department about the development of the Portrait of a Graduate, including a video by Kellner about the creation of the logo.
“I’ve been in Pattonville since kindergarten and I’ve loved every step of the way,” Kellner said. “So it kind of felt like a thank you, like this is what I’ve taken away from my experience here, too. I’m walking away with my critical thinking skills, my compassion, my resilience. I just did a metal and welding summer camp and saw those skills being transferred into a hands-on trade career. I think these skills are not just for college. They’re not just for high schoolers. They’re for people. And I think they were well chosen. I think overall, it’s representative of Pattonville students.”
The committee’s work will continue into this school year, with future discussions focusing on how to implement and showcase the framework across the district.
Establishing a Portrait of a Graduate is part of the district’s CSIP, the district’s five-year strategic plan approved by the board in February 2023. The first goal of CSIP is focused on student learning, and the Portrait of a Graduate is just one strategy that will support that.
Watch a video of Kellner discussing the logo at www.psdr3.org.
Agreement with Chartwells for renewed
On June 11, the Pattonville Board of Education approved the renewal of Chartwells K12 as the district’s food service management company. Chartwells was selected after a competitive bid process. Chartwells manages the day-to-day operations of Pattonville’s program, including food purchasing, menu development, staff training, meeting state and federal requirements and other services. Audrey Westrich, a Chartwells employee, serves as Pattonville’s director of food services.
“I am thrilled the Pattonville School District has chosen to continue its partnership with Chartwells K12,” Westrich said. “Our partnership extends beyond serving meals in school. We provide an environment for students to discover new foods and flavors by coordinating culinary and nutrition experiences in the cafe. We collaborate on garden projects, nutrition education, cultural nights, community dinners, district wellness programs and so much more. We appreciate and thank Pattonville for it continued partnership.”
The new contract also includes additional staffing support. Over the past three years, food service staffing levels have steadily declined, leaving Pattonville with only 42% staffing for the 2023-24 school year. Despite various recruitment efforts and increasing starting pay, the district has found that prospective employees looking for a career in food service often seek opportunities at major food service companies rather than public K-12 schools. In order to increase staffing levels, new food service staff hired on or after July 1, 2024, will be contracted through Chartwells. Current staff will be grandfathered in as Pattonville employees until they leave the district. All current Pattonville food service staff will be eligible to change schools or apply for advancement opportunities through Chartwells but will remain district employees throughout their tenure. Chartwells will also support Pattonville by providing substitute staff. Having fully staffed cafeterias will allow for improved menu options.
This is the third time the district and Chartwells have renewed this five-year agreement. Chartwells was originally selected as the district’s food service management company in June 2014 following the retirement of the district’s longservice food service director. Chartwells is the largest food services management company in St. Louis with a client list that includes the following area school districts: Clayton, Kirkwood, Ladue, St. Charles and University City.
April Rainwater
Margo Souza
Prop S bond issue Phase 1 construction continues; Phase 2 work, planning underway
Construction work on Prop S, Pattonville’s $111 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue, continues into it second summer. Voters in Pattonville approved Prop S in 2022 with a 79.4% favorable vote. Prop S will fund projects at every school in Pattonville, including adding classrooms to address growth in student enrollment; providing safety and maintenance improvements; and updating school facilities to meet teaching and learning needs. Approval of the bond issue did not increase the district’s tax rate.
Work that began last summer on storm shelter additions at Bridgeway, Parkwood and Willow Brook elementary schools and the new gym at Holman Middle School is expected to be completed at the beginning of the school year. Additionally, interior renovations at those schools have been completed (see list at right). This will mark the conclusion of the first phase of construction on Prop S.
As previously announced, Phase 2 was separated into two stages. Work on Phase 2A began this summer. That work includes renovations to the science labs and family and consumer science (FACS) labs at Pattonville High School. All FACS labs and half of the science labs are scheduled to be renovated this summer and the other half will be completed next summer. The FACS cooking spaces were last updated prior to 2000 and the science labs are seeing their first renovation since being built in 2001.
Also as part of Phase 2A, work began this summer to transition Holman’s former Gym B for use by the district printing and transportation departments. Gym B, located next to the district’s current transportation department, will include new office space for transportation as well as four bays that will be used for bus maintenance. The building will also house the district’s printing department, which is currently located near Pattonville Heights Middle School. Upon completion of the renovations, the current printing facility will be demolished and used for additional parking at Heights.
School administrators with buildings in Phases 2B and 3 have been continuing discussions with their school improvement teams (SIT) and school communities to ensure planned work meets the needs of the school.
Design has begun on projects in Phase 2B, which will include work at early childhood, Drummond and Rose Acres elementary schools, Pattonville Heights Middle School and the remaining projects at Holman.
Construction work at Pattonville High School began this summer. Top, materials are delivered to second-floor science labs. Above, renovations are made to culinary classrooms.
Phase 3 projects remain the same and include improvements at the Academy of Innovation at Remington and remaining projects at the high school. Design on that is expected to begin in early 2025. Construction on Phase 2B and Phase 3 is expected through 2027.
Changes to the Prop S timeline are due to challenges impacting the construction field, primarily labor shortages. Additional delays are due to continued supply chain issues. As was regularly reported, supply issues started during the pandemic and are still being felt. Areas primarily being impacted are mechanical industries, like HVAC and electrical, as well as items that use computer chips. This is resulting in longer project timelines and the potential for interruptions to daily school operations.
Learn more and stay up to date with Prop S work at www.psdr3.org/about-our-district/prop-s
Older adults sought to tutor, mentor elementary students
Pattonville is seeking older adult volunteers who can spend up to one hour a week tutoring a student in kindergarten through third grade as part of Pattonville’s Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program. Tutors help children with reading, writing and communication skills. New tutors must participate in training and undergo a background check before being paired with a student. Pattonville’s training consists of two parts: an online session and in-person session. The in-person session takes place in September at the Pattonville Learning Center. The online training session must be completed prior to the in-person training. New tutors can complete the online training on their own or can sign up for times prior to training to use computers at the Learning Center. To volunteer, contact Gracie Wrinkle in the Pattonville school-community relations office at 314-213-8025 or wrinkleg02@psdr3.org.
Summer 2024 Construction Work
Phase 1 Work
Bridgeway Elementary School
• Stage addition in the gym was completed in early 2024.
• Office renovations are taking place this summer.
• Construction on the storm shelter building addition is nearing completion.
Parkwood Elementary School
• Office renovations, including making a more secure entry into the building, was completed last fall.
• Construction on the storm shelter building addition is nearing completion.
Willow Brook Elementary School
• Renovation on the new art classrooms and the cafeteria expansion were completed last fall.
• Relocation of the front office and counseling and nurse’s spaces were completed this spring.
• Construction on the storm shelter building addition is nearing completion.
Holman Middle School
• Renovations to Gym A, including more efficient locker rooms and health spaces, was completed last fall.
• Construction on the storm shelter gym B addition is nearing completion.
Phase 2A Work
Pattonville High School
• Renovations to the science labs and family and consumer science (FACS) labs are in progress. The FACS labs and half of the science labs will be renovated this summer and the other half will be completed next summer.
Printing and Transportation (formerly Holman Gym B)
• Renovations to convert Gym B for district printing and transportation facilities began this summer. The site will include four bus bays and house the printing department once completed.
Staff members earn thousands in
PEF grants
The Pattonville Education Foundation (PEF) awarded 16 grants to staff members in Pattonville totaling nearly $24,000 during the 2023-2024 school year for programs to benefit Pattonville students. Funding for projects ranged from $150 to $6,400.
Those who received grants, their school and their grant title are:
• Stephanie Carson, Pattonville High School, PHS Podcast;
• Sarah Carter with co-applicants Gina McKelly and Nicole Youngquist, Rose Acres Elementary School, Fifth Grade Entrepreneur Shirt Sales;
• Amy Christadore with co-applicant Melissa Wilfong, Holman Middle School, Robotics, AI and Coding Club;
• Aaron DeMarco Bridgeway Elementary School, STEM Lab Technology;
• Jon Fitzgerald with co-applicant Amy Schwendemann, high school, CareerSafe ELO;
• Fitzgerald with co-applicants Dan Woehrmann and Robin Woodrome, POSITIVE School, POZcast Studio;
• Melanie Fitzgerald, early childhood, Early Literacy Matters;
• Amy Frost, Rose Acres, Literacy and Hands-On Learning Materials for Reading and Math;
• Nicole Hubbard, Rose Acres, More Than Centers;
• Nathan Jones with co-applicant Christian Dornhoefer, high school, Electrochemistry;
• David Kim with co-applicant Matt Loyet, Holman, Virtual Reality Headsets for Geography;
• Rob Lamb with co-applicant Andy Wall, high school, Building New Models;
• Dodie Logue, Academy of Innovation at Remington, Tower Garden;
• Kassie Rushing, Parkwood Elementary School, Krushing Co.;
• Amy Schwendemann with co-applicant Rob Lamb, high school, Living Wall 2.0; and
• Scott Wagner with co-applicants David Knapp and Lisa Roth, Holman, Bringing 3D Design to Life.
The PEF has awarded more than $300,000 in grants since it was established in 1994. The PEF is dedicated to serving Pattonville children and the Pattonville school community by providing funding to support innovative educational programs that benefit students in Pattonville schools.
