Jill Wiseman Fayette R-III Superintendent

The year 2020 will forever be remembered as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  My hope is that it will also be remembered as the year of the hero.  We’ve witnessed heroes in action in a variety of professions countless times throughout this spring and summer.  Medical professionals who work tirelessly to take care of those who are ill.  Public health professionals who are adjusting to new guidance to prevent the spread of the virus, and then trying to help others understand how to navigate the pandemic.  Grocery store employees working to maintain stocked shelves when supplies run low. The list goes on and on.  I would advocate that there are also heroes in our school district working behind the scenes and in the classrooms each and every day.  Heroes who keep the bills paid, the grass mowed, the students fed, and the wheels on the bus moving.  Heroes who are paramount to the quality of education, morale, culture, and community that is nurtured in our buildings.  Heroes who positively impact the children of our district each and every day; influencing our students to seek out new challenges and opportunities.  Heroes who encourage our students to stretch their minds and reach for new goals, all while modeling compassion and dedication for the betterment of others.  

Many of these school district employees have also worked diligently to outline measures that will allow us to return to school while keeping our staff and students safe, and we look forward to having our students back on campus.  In July, we sent a three-phase plan to our families identifying basic guidelines for our return to school in August. This plan allows us to remain committed to supporting our students’ emotional and educational needs while promoting safety for students and staff.  Our administrative team and counselors personally reached out to all of our families regarding their questions and concerns for the fall semester.  We were able to contact nearly 85% of our families.  The conversations with parents and guardians, our surveys of students and families this spring, and the guidance we received from our local and state health officials have resulted in a plan for us to move forward in the safest way possible to provide a quality education for our students. We will continue to work closely with local and state health officials as we monitor the status of the virus and use their guidance to drive future decisions and make adjustments to current plans. Our families have already demonstrated an ability to be flexible in response to a wholly unprecedented situation, this school year will require us all to continue to be flexible in meeting the needs of our students. 

While school will look different this fall, we are confident that we can achieve our vision of ensuring that all students are given the necessary means to be prepared for and successful in their next academic challenge. The support from our community is a continuous source of strength for our district. Thank you for the continued support and positive atmosphere that you help to create for our students and staff both now and throughout the year.

Jill Wiseman is beginning her second year as Superintendent of the Fayette R-III School District. She has served 13 years as the District Curriculum Director, Test Coordinator, Federal Programs Director, Homeless Liaison and ELL Coordinator.  Mrs. Wiseman began her educational career teaching middle school science at Clark Middle School and later, high school science at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia. She received a Bachelor's degree in Science Education from Central Methodist University, Master's Degree in Education from Lindenwood University, and Educational Specialist Degree in Administration from William Woods University.