After serving in an interim role, Dr. Myra Michelle Berry has been named superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools. The SLPS Board of Education unanimously (6-0) approved her hiring in a closed session meeting on Thursday.
Following the sudden firing of former Superintendent Millicent Borishade in October 2025, Berry took over a district that is faced with a budget shortfall. It had posted a surplus when former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett took over in July 2023.
In addition, enrollment continues to slide and decisions are looming on which, if any, schools should be closed.
Borishade has also sued the district claiming that she was unjustly fired.
Berry is now officially the third SLPS superintendent in less than two years, and she said during a Thursday press conference she is ready for the challenges.
“We have already begun the important work of rebuilding trust, strengthening our community and reestablishing partnerships,” she said.
“We know that strong schools are built through strong relationships with families, community organizations, city partners and those who believe in the success of our children.”
When asked about possible school closures, Berry said the next few years could include “consolidations and restructuring.”
Board President Dr. Karen Collins-Adams said Berry “understands this district.”
“She understands our community, and she has delivered results during one of the most complex periods in recent history. We are confident she is the right leader to move Saint Louis Public Schools forward.”
Before being named interim superintendent, Berry was serving as interim chief of human resources.
She began her SLPS career as a special education teacher at Turner Middle School in the Ville neighborhood and later taught at Clark Elementary.
Other positions included instructional coach at Peabody Elementary, Lexington Elementary principal, and director of performance management in the SLPS human resources department.
Collins-Adams said Berry has already:
-Helped stabilize key areas of district operations while maintaining a clear focus on student s.
-Helped the district’s response and recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that impacted several school communities, while overseeing the successful reopening of schools including Washington Montessori and Yeatman.
According to an SLPS release, the district has also made “measurable improvements in transportation reliability>”
“Staff morale has improved significantly, reflecting a renewed sense of stability, support, and shared purpose across the district. She has also worked to strengthen community.”