The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education convened the morning of July 9, 2024, to accept the resignation of Superintendent Jenny Fee, effective July 31, 2024, and contingent upon the approval of her employment with the Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD, KISD) scheduled for July 15, 2024. Fee verbally accepted an offer to be part of the leadership team at Kent Intermediate School District as the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services.
The Board thanked Superintendent Fee for her three years of service to the district. President Conybeare expressed that, “Dr. Fee joined the district at a difficult time -- the middle of the pandemic. She led us through those challenges and leaves the district with a comprehensive strategic plan and detailed facility assessment, both of which will guide the district over the next several years. The Board of Education is grateful for Dr. Fee’s vision and leadership over the past three years and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.”
Fee also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, “St. Joseph Public Schools benefits from a community dedicated to strong schools, a Board of Education who makes decisions in the best interest of students, a skilled and cohesive administrative team, and a staff of the highest caliber. It has been an honor to serve St. Joseph Public Schools as its superintendent. I am grateful for your trust and the opportunity to serve, learn and grow in such a wonderful community and district. I wish only the very best for the entire school community.”
Also at the meeting, the Board approved the plan for the district’s leadership given Fee’s August 1, 2024, start date with Kent ISD. It is with confidence and enthusiasm that the Board selected Kristen Bawks as the next superintendent of St. Joseph Public Schools. Dr. Fee supported the Board’s appointment of Mrs. Bawks, who currently serves as the district’s Assistant Superintendent, expressing, “I have absolute confidence in Mrs. Bawks’ skill set and readiness for the position. Over the past two years that I have worked side-by-side with her, she has demonstrated positive leadership, strong decision-making skills, and a relentless focus on doing what is best for the students of SJPS.”
The Board of Education voted 7-0 to appoint Kristen Bawks as the superintendent to lead the district beginning August 1, 2024. President Barry Conybeare stated, “Mrs. Bawks comes to the role with significant leadership experience, established relationships and a deep commitment to the students, staff, families, and community of St. Joseph. For many years, the Board of Education has seen Mrs. Bawks as a potential leader of the district. During her 20 years with SJPS, Mrs. Bawks has served as a teacher at E.P. Clarke, Principal at Brown School, and as the Assistant Superintendent. We can expect a seamless transition and strong leadership with Mrs. Bawks as the Superintendent.”