St. Louis Public Schools Proposes Major School Closures

News Summary

The St. Louis Public Schools district has announced a proposal to close 37 schools due to declining enrollment and underutilization. This marks the largest cluster of school closures in the city’s history. The proposal comes in response to factors like the recent tornado causing significant damage to multiple schools and a projected decline in student enrollment. Community engagement and careful consideration are emphasized as the district navigates this challenging transition.

St. Louis Public Schools Proposes Major School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline

The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) district has announced a proposal to close 37 schools, leaving only 31 open starting in fall 2026. This initiative represents the largest cluster of school closures in the city’s history and is set to be discussed in an upcoming school board meeting.

Currently, the district enrolls approximately 18,122 students across over 60 schools. The need for closures arises from one of the lowest average building capacity rates in the country, highlighting that many school buildings remain significantly underutilized.

Tornado Aftermath and Enrollment Predictions

Significant factors contributing to this proposal include the recent tornado that struck on May 16, causing extensive damage and displacement. Seven schools within SLPS will not reopen for the fall due to this disaster. Schools severely affected include Ashland Elementary and Soldan International Studies High School, both of which will relocate students to Gateway STEM High School. The tornado inflicted damages exceeding $14.5 million on the affected schools.

In addition to physical damage, SLPS anticipates a loss of between 800 and 2,000 students this summer. This projected decline is primarily attributed to the displacement of families caused by the tornado. Looking ahead, the city’s population could potentially decrease below 266,000 within the next decade, which may further impact SLPS enrollment figures, with predictions estimating only 12,700 students by 2035.

Property Assessment and Community Engagement

Superintendent Millicent Borishade plans to make formal recommendations regarding school closures in the coming months. As part of this process, the district has hosted community meetings dubbed “Reimagining SLPS” to gather input from stakeholders regarding the school closure plan.

Amid these challenges, SLPS is also contending with the difficulty of recruiting sufficient certified staff, which includes teachers, counselors, and coaches. Falling birth rates across the nation and a shrinking population in St. Louis contribute to declining enrollments not just locally, but in districts nationwide.

Response and Future Implications

Despite the pressing need for closures, the plan may face scrutiny. The devastating effects of the recent tornado have prompted calls from community members and former SLPS board president Dorothy Rohde-Collins to postpone any permanent closure decisions until the full impact of the disaster can be assessed thoroughly.

The district is currently collaborating with architectural firm Cordogan, Clark and Associates to analyze the factors surrounding declining enrollment and the capacity of its school buildings. As discussions continue, public response and community engagement will be critical in navigating the future of SLPS during this significant transitional period.

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HERE Resources

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Norfolk City Council Delays Final Vote on Maury High School Project
Philadelphia School District Engages Community on Closures
Norfolk City Council Delays Vote on New Maury High School Plan
Chicagoland Area Schools Adjust Operations Due to Severe Winter Weather

Additional Resources

• St. Louis Today
• Wikipedia: St. Louis Public Schools
• Fox 2 Now
• Google Search: St. Louis Public Schools restructuring
• GovTech
• Google Scholar: St. Louis education system
• Fox 2 Now – Tornado Plans
• Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Louis Public Schools