BPS Staff Celebrated for Years of Service
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Many staff were recognized for their dedication to our school at the annual dinner hosted by the school board. Laurie Bauer was commemorated for her 40 years of service. She works in the library in both the high school and the elementary. She taught speech and is the National Honor Society supervisor. Jim Roberts and Terry Tillman were recognized for 35 years of service. Mr. Roberts teaches biology, chemistry, physics, general science, and applied science. Among those, he also coaches both boys and girls golf. Mr. Tillman is a bus driver for Bayard Public Schools, specializing in trips to Denver. We also have Stephanie Barker who has dedicated 25 years. Mrs. Barker has taught 5th grade, High School technology and journalism, 4th-6th grade science, and this year middle school science, 8th grade computers, and journalism. Ann Albro, Cory Barker, Crystal Batt who spent 10 years. Albro has been a sub for our district. Barker has been an assistant wrestling coach and is currently the head boys wrestling coach. Batt is our second grade teacher and Wellness coordinator. Finally Jeff Erdman, Kelli Neiger, Dr. Kelly Rice, and Tressa White worked at Bayard Public Schools for 5 years. Mr. Erdman is our head custodian, spending most of his time at the high school. Mrs. Neiger has been a substitute teacher. Dr. Rice is our secondary principal, as well as junior high and high school choir and show choir director. Mrs. White is a para at the high school, spending most of her time with the personal finance class and the on-line Odysseyware course. She is also the Cheerleading coach and assistant softball coach.
Miss Bauer and Mr. Roberts have combined for 75 years of service to Bayard Schools. This has made for many years of memories. Miss Bauer’s memories include “The first time I heard a kindergartner ask if he could color with the naked colors. I asked him what he meant and he said it is a color without the paper.” She also remembers “moving into the new high school and watching the old one be torn down.” Other memories that Bauer has are “Getting a stress fracture in my foot taking a couple of junior high boys to the office, being escorted home after a homecoming dance by the police, and The water fight on the last day for staff between the high school and the elementary! The superintendent was not happy about that! Unfortunately, with 40 years of service, Miss Bauer has attended funerals of several staff and students. Mr. Roberts says that “There are times when the relationships you build with students become mutually respectful and appreciative of each other. When this happens, learning flourishes and the process becomes exciting and fun. Those are the times I remember.”
When asked how the school system has changed over the years, Miss Bauer says “Everything is online! It has gone from paper and pencil, face to face meetings, teaching for enjoyment to 1:1 devices, Zoom meetings, and trying to make state standards.” Mr Roberts added “ You have to realize that when I first started teaching most cars had windows you rolled up and down with a crank. Schools have changed tremendously with technology. I think one of the biggest changes is when I first started I was a teacher of high school science, now I'm a teacher of high school students.” Mr. Roberts stated “My hope for Bayard HS is that it continues to thrive and adapt to an ever changing future. Every generation has its challenges that need to be addressed. Every generation of teachers that leave education say " Things aren't like they used to be!" I don't know why anyone would expect them to remain the same. Bayard HS will need to meet its future full steam ahead with the same attention to academics, activities and a focus on our students like it always has.”