Bentley Community Schools

BURTON — For 50 years, Toby Bauldry has devoted herself to making Bentley Community Schools a place where children not only learn but feel nurtured.

For 30 years she was the steady hand of the school bus wheel, safely guiding children to and from school. The next 20 years after she was a bus driver, Bauldry ran successfully and served as a member of the Bentley Board of Education – where her wisdom and passion shaped policies that nurtured students.

Bauldry was recognized for her years of service during a volunteer recognition for Bentley Community Schools on Jan. 27. Many volunteers and the board of education themselves were honored for contributions to the district.

The special recognition for Bauldry came during the volunteer dinner where she received many special gifts and honors for her tenue as both a bus driver and a board member.

“We are here today to celebrate a true pillar of our community,” Superintendent Kristy Spann said. “A woman who’s dedication has shaped generations of young ones. Mrs. Toby Bauldry.”

Spann said Bauldry has given 50 years of unwavering service to Bentley, having outlasted nine superintendents in the years she’s been a part of the district.

“Her commitment extends far beyond this district,” Spann said. “She’s a woman who’s love for children extends beyond the classroom and the bus route to the vibrant garden – she’s an amazing gardener.”

She said Bauldry moved to the community in 1966 where she raised five children. Spann said Bauldry has been, “a constant presence here in Burton through thick and thin.”

“She’s weathered the storms of our times,” she said. “The closing of GM, the water crisis, the challenges of COVID. Always remaining a source of strength and support.”

Spann said she’s a tireless volunteer, staying active in her church, serving in the Burton Kiwanis, giving her time to Burton Parks and Recreation and assuring Bentley children have safe places to learn and play.

“She is a living example of what it means to be invested in your community,” Spann said. “Toby reminds us that even through hardship we can cultivate growth and resilience to show us the power of persistent dedication can impact the life lived in service to others.”

Bentley Board of Education President Amanda Mobley invited Bauldry to help the district with a garden the board wishes to plant near the administration building this spring.

“We would like to honor your service to the Bentley Board of Education and honor your commitment and dedication to the district by planting a garden around the library in front of the administration building in the spring,” Mobley said. “We would be honored if you’d take part in the planning and execution of this special recognition.”

Mobley said the board and Spann are donating a Wojo’s Greenhouse gift card for Bauldry to use to pick out her favorite plants, in hopes she will take part in the development of this new garden.

She went on to thank Bauldry for welcoming her and offering guidance when Mobley first joined the board in 2018.

“You have taught me so much over the years that I could not have learned anywhere else,” Mobley said. “You have taught me what being a dedicated board member is all about and not everything is as easy as it looks to outsiders.”

Mobley added that Bauldry has taught her and other board members how to be true and authentic. “Whether you realize it or not, you are a significant piece to our board. You have had positive impact with so many during your years of service with the Bentley Board of Education.”

Bauldry said she was completely surprised by the accolades but honored by the recognition she received.

“I was actually blown away,” she said. “I was not expecting anything like that.”

Bauldry said she drove a bus for 33 years and liked her job and all the kids who rode her bus. After retirement she was encouraged to do more for kids in the community so she ran for school board.

When she lost the November election this past year, Bauldry said she was not disappointed.

“It didn’t bother me at all,” she said. “It’s good to give younger people a chance to serve. I like people at Bentley and I think they are trying to do a great job.”

She said she will stay in touch with district officials and plans to take the lead in developing the garden the board has tasked her with.

Also recognized that evening were the current members of the Bentley Board of Education for School Board Recognition Month.

Spann said this is a time when schools gather to acknowledge the individuals who volunteer their time, energy and expertise to guide the schools and shape the future in the community.

“Parents, neighbors and community members who have stepped forward to bear the burden and responsibility of ensuring education for every child in our district,” Spann said. “They develop complex budgets, navigate ever-changing educational landscape and make tough choices to provide the best learning environment possible for our children.”

The district gifted a collection of young adult books to the middle and high school libraries in the name of the Bentley Board of Education as a token of appreciation.