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15 Years of Bobcat Spirit

Blackhurst Elementary first opened in 1958. While the school has changed over the decades, our Bobcat spirit continues to inspire our teachers and students.

A Brief History

We closed Blackhurst as an elementary school in 2007 because of low enrollment in the district. At that time, the district turned Benton Elementary into the Central Office and rented the Blackhurst building to a local church.

By 2011, enrollment grew again. We decided to reopen Blackhurst for the 2011-2012 school year. This was a busy time for the St. Charles City School District. We changed school boundaries and moved students from Coverdell, Lincoln, and Null to the "new" Blackhurst.

Reopening the Doors

Dr. Melvin Bishop, who led Harris Elementary at the time, stepped up to reopen our school. He faced a big task: bringing together a new staff and fixing a building that sat empty for years.

"I still ran Harris while attending meetings about furniture and plumbing for Blackhurst," Dr. Bishop said. He interviewed more than 100 people that first year to fill every role. He hired Jenna Tate and Candice Settlemoir as some of his first team members. They helped set up the school's traditions and culture.

A Personal Journey Home

For many of us, reopening Blackhurst felt like coming home. Candice Settlemoir started her career at Blackhurst before it closed. After four years at Monroe, she knew she belonged back here.

"Blackhurst has always been my home," Settlemoir said. "I have spent 19 of my 23 years as a Bobcat. It feels like a family."

Amy Pieper, a Reading Specialist, shared a similar feeling. Before the reopening, she traveled between Harris and Monroe for three years. When Dr. Bishop asked her to join the Blackhurst team, she jumped at the chance to teach in one building.

"I am proud to say I am one of the nine remaining teachers who started here when we reopened in 2011," Pieper said. "We have seen many changes, added new classrooms, and even installed an elevator. But the 'feeling' you get in the halls hasn't changed at all."

Why We Stay

We asked our veteran Bobcats why they choose this school every day:

  • Meredith Foster (4th Grade): "Our leaders expect excellence but stay kind. We are a fun staff that finds ways to make learning exciting."
  • Christine Dalton (ELD): "I have the freedom to do what is best for my students. Everyone here supports our multilingual families."
  • Kristina Durbin (2nd Grade): "I love this school so much that I moved my own children here. My coworkers do everything they can to help every child succeed."
  • Carla Bowman (Secretary): "It’s the people. There is a special feeling in this building that you just can't describe."
  • Heidi Rezsonya (PE): "I stay for the connections I’ve made with staff and families over the years."
  • Margaret Blackburn (ELD): "We are a team. We would do anything for each other and our students."
  • Cori Meisner (Custodian): "I am here for the kids. They deserve a safe, clean place to learn."

Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat

Every year brings new challenges, but the joy of our community keeps our doors open. We recently invited high school graduates who attended Blackhurst to come back and cheer for our current fourth graders as they move on to middle school.

We believe that once you walk through our doors, you are part of the family forever.

teachers in Blackhurst tshirts

The "Original Nine" Staff Members (Since 2011): Kristina Durbin, Carla Bowman, Margaret Blackburn, Bobbly Blackhurst, Corrine Meiser, Christine Dalton, Amy Pieper, Merideth Foster, Candice Settlemoir and Heidi Rezsonya.

By: Amy Pieper