A year from now, as the 2026-27 academic year approaches, more than half of St. Louis Public Schools’ buildings could be shuttered.
The SLPS Board of Education heard a plan on Tuesday by architectural firm Cordogan, Clark & Associates that, if adopted, would close 38 of the district’s 68 schools. Included would be 27 elementary schools, five middle schools and five high schools.
If the proposed school closures move forward, private and charter schools would outnumber traditional public schools in the city.
The report predicts St. Louis’ population decline will continue over the next decade, and that the number of students in the school district also will keep falling.
The numbers are chilling: a 7% decline in St. Louis population and a 30% drop in student enrollment over the next decade.
SLPS closed the 2024-25 year with just over 18,000 students yet has the classroom space — including in schools not being used — to serve 30,000.
The May 16 tornado, which damaged several schools, including Sumner High, will exacerbate the decline in city and school population, the report suggests.
On July 18, the SLPS board and American Federation of Teachers Local 420 signed an agreement regarding the co-location of schools caused by the tornado. It will begin when the new year starts on August 18.
Earlier this month, Local 420 representatives stated that it was not consulted before a co-location plan was announced.
“This collaborative effort signifies a pivotal step forward in ensuring a supportive and safe educational environment for all SLPS students,” said Ray Cummings, Local 420 president.
When the school year begins;
-Sumner High School and Fresh Start will be located at Stevens Middle School.
-Beaumont programs will be located at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy
-Yeatman Middle School will be located at Innovation Concept Academy at Blewett
Soldan High School will be located at Gateway STEM High School.
These changes differ from the original plan announced by SLPS and come after negotiation with Local 420.
The co-locations for elementary schools remain as originally announced, including staff numbers.
-Ashland Elementary School will co-locate with Jefferson Elementary School.
-Hickey Elementary School will co-locate with Walbridge Elementary School.
-Washington Montessori Elementary School will co-locate with Ames Visual and Performing Arts.
“This agreement marks a new chapter of cooperation and progress for our district,” said SLPS Board President Karen Collins-Adams.
“We’ve worked diligently with the AFT to create a framework that supports both our students and our dedicated educators.”
She said the agreement [ensures] that co-location serves to strengthen our school communities.
“When we work together, we can do great things,” said Cummings. “Once again, St. Louis is on the cutting edge of labor and school districts working together.”
He said the partnership with SLPS in creating the updated co-location plan “will lead to more effective and equitable learning environments.”
“The agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when open dialogue is prioritized for the benefit of students and staff.”
Collins-Adams and Cummings also signed a Memorandum of Understanding that renewed the St. Louis Plan, a teacher introduction and support program that is now in its 17th year.
“When the plan started 17 years ago, half of our new teachers left after one year. Without support, teachers leave the profession,” said Cummings.
“The program severs as ‘gatekeeper,’ and teachers receive extensive coaching, support, and evaluation.”
The plan includes a Peer Assistance and Review process for new and veteran teachers.
“We only want the best teachers in front of our kids,” said Cummings.
SLPS Block Party August 5
St. Louis Public Schools will hold its Back to School Block Party from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 at the SLPS Central Office, 801 N. 11th Street
The free event is open to all SLPS families, whether new or retuning to the district, and will include:
Open Enrollment
Register your child for the upcoming school year
Bring your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, and parent ID
Transportation Registration
Bus transportation information will be available, and questions are encouraged.
Health Resources
Access medical, dental, and vision services, including physicals
ReHousing Recovery Fair
Explore resources from the St. Louis Housing Authority
Show Me Tech Fair
Explore the latest technology in education with hands-on experiences
There will be haircuts, styles ad “glam” stations, live entertainment and a DJ, #Lit4TheLou book giveaway, free school supplies, face painting and games, tornado relief supplies, and food trucks.To register for the Back to School Block Party, please visit www.SLPS.org/RSVP.
Something that you may not know about Ray Cummings, Local 420 president. He is a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who fought at Khe Sanh in 1968. I taught with science teacher Ray at Vashon on Grand. I know of an incident in the cafeteria where Ray threw himself on top of a security guard to protect him from an attack when he was knocked down. Didn’t always agree with Ray but he is sincere and dedicated.
Interesting do Slps is being positioned for take over by opportunity trust James McDonald’s foundation , and charter I give it 5 years we will be like New Orleans after they empty Slps funds