Dear Dell Rapids Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

It is with great excitement and humility that I join the Dell Rapids School District as your superintendent. I am honored to become part of a community with such a rich history, strong traditions, and unwavering pride in what it means to be a Quarrier.

As I have spent time learning about Dell Rapids, one thing has become abundantly clear. This is a community that cares deeply about its schools. The success of Dell Rapids has never been built solely on buildings, programs, or test scores. It has been built on people. Students who strive for excellence, staff members who invest in young lives every day, families who support learning, and a community that takes tremendous pride in its schools.

This year marks the beginning of a new chapter. Alongside me, Dell Rapids welcomes three new principals and a new Activities/Facilities Director. While there are new faces in leadership roles, the values that have guided this district for generations remain unchanged. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and grit remains as strong as ever. The expectations that have made Dell Rapids a destination for educational excellence remain high, and the pride that generations of Quarriers have built continues to define who we are.

As we move forward together, one of my goals is simple but important. I want every student, every staff member, every parent, and every community member to feel like a Quarrier. Belonging matters. When people feel connected to something bigger than themselves, great things happen. Students achieve at higher levels. Staff members thrive. Families become partners. Communities grow stronger.

The Dell Rapids strategic plan reflects a vision that balances pride in our traditions with a commitment to continuous improvement. We will continue to pursue academic excellence, support and invest in our staff, strengthen our facilities, and tell the story of the incredible work happening throughout our district. Most importantly, we will keep students at the center of every decision we make.

I believe the future of Dell Rapids is incredibly bright. Together, we will honor the legacy that has been built before us while preparing students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. I look forward to listening, learning, building relationships, and working alongside all of you as we continue the proud tradition of Dell Rapids Schools.

Thank you for the warm welcome. It is a privilege to serve this community.

Go Quarriers!

Sincerely,

Joel Bailey
Superintendent
Dell Rapids School District