John F. Bass Campus Becomes Reality in SLPS
Pioneering senator, educator, civil rights activist honored by Board of Education

St. Louis – The St. Louis Board of Education has approved a resolution to honor the late John F. Bass. Six schools in North St. Louis are now part of a memorial named the John F. Bass Educational Campus.

The campus is located in the Ville neighborhood in North St. Louis, the community where the former Missouri state senator lived. Schools included in the campus are:

Sumner Mega Magnet High School
Turner Middle School
Cole Elementary School
Simmons/Marshall Mega Magnet Elementary School
Hickey Elementary School
Cote Brilliante Elementary School

Each school will retain its name while becoming a part of the complex.

School Board Vice President William Purdy recalled Bass’ dedication to serving the St. Louis community.

“I cannot think of anyone who exceeds the width and breadth of public service provided by Senator John F. Bass,” said Purdy. “His dedication to education has been a key area of involvement, but the totality of his commitment in the areas of politics, health and civic pioneering was reflected in his unquenchable passion for focusing on the needs of children and the less fortunate in the community and his efforts were outstanding.”

As a longtime educator, Bass served as principal of Beaumont High School. He graduated from Sumner High School.

Bass served as Missouri state senator from 1981 to 1991. During his distinguished career in public service, he was also comptroller for the City of St. Louis and a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. Bass died in February (2007) at the age of 80.

Editor’s Note: Photos are available upon request.