St. Louis Public Schools is asking families and residents to weigh in on the most sweeping overhaul of the district in decades — a plan that could close or repurpose up to 22 schools while reshaping grade configurations, transportation, magnet programs and the future use of school buildings.
District leaders say years of declining enrollment, aging facilities and mounting financial pressures have made the current system unsustainable. Three draft proposals outlined in the district’s “Future Ready SLPS: School Portfolio Preview” would reduce the district from 62 schools to between 40 and 47 by the 2027-28 school year.
“This work is not simply about closing or consolidating schools,” the report says. “It is about creating a stronger system of well-resourced schools where students have access to high-quality academic programming, safe learning environments, enrichment opportunities and sustainable facilities.”
SLPS will hold three community meetings this month before presenting a final recommendation to the Board of Education, which is expected to vote in August.
After previewing the proposals to civic, business and community leaders, Superintendent Dr. Myra Berry said attendees recognized that significant change is necessary.
“The community is ready … to make a change,” Berry told St. Louis Public Radio. “The community has understood for a while that we have to do something, but also do something to preserve the history of the district while also moving forward.”
Photo by Lawrence Bryant | St. Louis American
Not everyone agrees.
Turlisha Smith, who has three daughters attending Monroe Elementary in South St. Louis, opposes the proposal to close or repurpose the school.
“It is where they have built friendships, formed trusting relationships with teachers and staff and found a sense of stability and belonging,” Smith said. “Closing their school means taking away a familiar environment where they feel safe and supported.”
The district projects enrollment will decline to about 16,723 students this fall, down from 43,284 in 1991 — a loss of more than 58%. At the same time, SLPS faces a projected $41 million budget deficit while maintaining dozens of aging buildings operating well below capacity.
The report presents three options: preserving the traditional elementary-middle-high school structure, creating a hybrid system with selected Pre-K-8 schools, or shifting largely to a Pre-K-8 model. Depending on the option selected, the district would operate between 40 and 47 schools.
Across all three proposals, 17 elementary schools are identified for closure or repurposing: Adams, Ames, Ashland, Bryan Hill, George W. Carver, Columbia, Hamilton, Henry, Humboldt, Jefferson, Laclede, Lyon at Blow, Meramec, Monroe, Peabody, Shenandoah and Walbridge. The plans also would phase out traditional high school programs at McKinley High School and Clyde C. Miller Career Academy by 2030 while continuing gifted and career education pathways in revised forms.
District leaders say a smaller school portfolio would allow more consistent academic offerings, stronger staffing and expanded student supports, including certified teachers in every classroom, broader access to STEM and enrichment programs, and dedicated counselors, nurses, social workers and behavioral support staff.
Krystal Barnett, founder and CEO of Bridge to Hope, said she supports the proposal because consolidating schools could concentrate resources that have been spread too thin.
“It doesn’t have to be a negative,” Barnett said. “They need to look at this as a point of pivot and change, which is hard. But the voice of the people can really lead the district in the right direction to support the kids the way the data has been telling us they need it over the last 20 years.”
Depending on the model selected, bus routes would decline from 226 to between 150 and 210, saving an estimated $2 million to $13 million annually. Transportation for specialized academic programs generally would be provided only for students living at least four miles from school, while protections would remain for students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness and other eligible groups.
Smith said transportation is her greatest concern as a single mother.
“No parent should have to choose between earning a living and making sure their children receive an education,” she said.
The district estimates the proposals would save another $16.6 million to $17.9 million annually in staffing and benefits. Officials say about 90 teaching positions would be eliminated through vacancies and long-term substitute positions rather than layoffs.
The report also proposes repurposing many former school buildings for teacher housing, student transition housing, health clinics, early childhood centers, community hubs, wraparound services and public-private redevelopment partnerships.
Ray Cummings, president of AFT St. Louis Local 420, said that distinguishes the proposal from previous closure plans.
“The closures are not closures because there’s a whole page of repurposing for what’s going on in those communities,” Cummings told KSDK. “Those buildings are not going to be left shuttered like in the past.”
Last summer, consultants recommended closing 38 of the district’s 68 schools, but the board never acted after the district shifted its focus to tornado recovery, leadership changes and financial challenges.
The current proposal is narrower in scope but broader in strategy, combining school closures with changes to academics, transportation, feeder patterns and redevelopment. It also calls for reopening Sumner and Soldan high schools in January 2027 following tornado repairs.
Community meetings are scheduled for July 8 at Vashon High School, July 15 at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and July 22 at the district’s Central Office before administrators present a final recommendation to the board in August.