“Lift from your core.” With these words, I opened the 2025-26 school year with our staff at the annual Welcome Back Breakfast. My challenge to them was simple: begin the year by reconnecting with what drives us and carry that fire into our work with students every day.
I believe in unapologetically putting students first. Our work must always be grounded in dignity, integrity, and high expectations — balanced with grace. And when I say all students, I mean 100% of them.
I reminded our team that what makes Bayfield so special is our spirit of caring. As a community, you truly love the students, and you take care of one another. That creates a culture with a small-town feel and big-time aspirations, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.
Our purpose is clear: to instill hope in our learners so that they dream big for the impact they’ll make in their futures. At the same time, we must equip them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue those dreams well. In my eyes, our success is measured not on graduation day, but the day after — when our graduates step into the world ready to thrive. We are proud to support you in getting your kids ready for their bright futures.
As I told our staff, making sure our students are successful takes keeping students at the heart of everything we do, approaching challenges with solutions in mind, and leading with integrity and agility. That commitment is what will carry us forward and it is our commitment to you.
This year, we are welcoming new teammates across every school and department, and I am grateful for the energy, gratitude, and dedication they bring. Together, we begin this year united in purpose and focused on dreaming big and working hard for every learner.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It is a responsibility we take to heart, and I look forward to the year ahead.
Dylan Connell
Superintendent
Bayfield School District