Bayless Superintendent Amy Ruzicka was named Emerging Superintendent of the Year for the Greater St. Louis District by The Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) during its annual conference March 20. 

The award is given annually to superintendents in their second or third year who “have shown outstanding performance that reflects the best in educational leadership.” Ruzicka was selected out of over approximately 200 superintendents in Missouri, also in their first three years as superintendent, to earn the prestigious honor. She was nominated for the award by her colleagues in the Greater St. Louis MASA District.

“We congratulate Amy for this most-deserved recognition,” Bayless Board of Education President Woody Babb said. “Amy has done a tremendous job for us. She is constantly working to make Bayless the best it can be by looking for opportunities to help our students, staff and community grow. Bayless is truly blessed to have Amy as its district leader.”

Ruzicka has served the Bayless district since 2008 in a number of roles, including teacher, instructional coordinator and assistant superintendent. She became superintendent of schools in 2022.