As we launch the second semester of the school year, I am excited to share many achievements with you, as well as some updates on important district business matters.
First, Fort Zumwalt earned a 96 percent on our latest Annual Performance Report, our report card from the state. This achievement is a reflection and a result of the combined commitment of our community and our staff to our mission to Educate, Empower and Equip Students to Excel. It takes us all. Every one contributes to this success: the teachers inspiring in classrooms; the Special Services team providing that extra support for the kids who need it most; the bus drivers ensuring safe rides; the nutrition staff fueling learning; the custodians and maintenance team keeping our spaces safe and welcoming; the technology and office professionals keeping operations running smoothly; the substitutes doing whatever it takes to fill a need; the security team keeping our campuses safe; and the leaders, both by position and the many who lead without a title, helping to show the way. It takes the active engagement of parents and guardians, the support of our residents and business owners and our many volunteers. Each role matters—and each of you makes a difference.
Fort Zumwalt, home to more than 16,000 students, earned 192 of the 200 points possible in the state report, making us the highest performing large district in the state. Only two districts performed better in total points scored, Maplewood Richmond Heights (home to about 1,500 students) and Nixa, in Southwest Missouri (home to about 6,600 students). Simultaneously, we learned that our elementary and middle schools again joined our high schools with recognition from U.S. News and World Report, ranking them among the best in the state. This national recognition celebrates the importance a strong foundation plays in our students' high school achievements.
Next, our students have earned additional recognition outside the classroom. The East High boys soccer team recorded its best-ever season, finishing second in the state. West High boys soccer also competed in the state Final Four. And both North and West High cheered on football teams that played in the state quarter-finals. We had multiple young artists participate in the annual Foundry Art Show and numerous middle and high school musicians recognized at the district and state level. These achievements are possible through the commitment of our families and staff and the support of our community.
With the new calendar year we intensify our work on what comes next. We will be reviewing and revising our Continuous School Improvement Plan, preparing for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. We are taking a detailed look at our enrollment projections and how those align with our facilities needs assessment. We are keeping close watch on how new laws are changing our revenues and on potential changes we might face in the near future. In November, CFO Brian Whittle updated the Board on the impact of the Senior Citizens Tax Credit. Residents older than 62 have the opportunity to apply for the credit each year, which effectively freezes their real estate tax bill at 2024 levels. In its first year the credit meant about $78 savings for the average Fort Zumwalt home owner and a net $500,000 loss to the district. This year, it is projected that the average savings for the Senior Citizens Tax Credit will be about $147. It is projected to be a $1.16 million loss for the district. While strong stewardship has left us in a stable position to absorb the loss, the impact of the Senior Citizens Tax Credit is predicted to grow. The lack of any replacement revenue and the uncertainty surrounding the district’s other major revenue streams makes it more important than ever to continue our tradition of strong fiscal stewardship as we move forward.
It is my honor to be a part of this dedicated team and to partner with our community as we Educate, Empower and Equip Students to Excel, and I wish you well this New Year.
Dr. Henry St. Pierre
Superintendent