Facing a budget shortfall, declining enrollment and leadership turnover, St. Louis Public Schools has named Dr. Myra Berry as its latest superintendent after months in an interim role.
The Board of Education voted unanimously in a closed session last week to appoint Berry, a longtime district educator who has led the system since October following the abrupt firing of Superintendent Millicent Borishade.
Ray Cummings, AFT St. Louis Local 420 president, said in a release on Tuesday the union “offers enthusiastic support,” for the Berry hire, establishing a relationship that will be critical to SLPS future success.
“We have worked with Berry and I look forward to continuing the relationship.
Berry becomes the district’s third superintendent in less than two years, a period marked by instability at the top and mounting challenges across the system.
Her appointment comes as the district faces difficult decisions about its financial future and school footprint. The district also faces increased external scrutiny, including an upcoming Missouri state auditor’s review of its operations.
Berry said her priorities include improving literacy and attendance while stabilizing the district’s finances, with a goal of reaching a balanced budget in the coming years.
She also said the district may consider “consolidation and restructuring” as it addresses declining enrollment and potential school closures, issues compounded by school disruptions and displacement following the May 2025 tornado.
“We have already begun the important work of rebuilding trust, strengthening our community and reestablishing partnerships,” Berry said.
Berry, who has worked in the district for more than two decades, began her career as a special education teacher and later served as a principal, instructional coach and administrator. Before being named interim superintendent, she was interim chief of human resources.
Board President Dr. Karen Collins-Adams said Berry’s familiarity with the district and her performance in the interim role were key factors in the decision.
“She understands this district, and she has delivered results during one of the most complex periods in recent history,” Collins-Adams said.
Cummings agreed that Berry’s longstanding with the district is vital to its success and improvement.
“She is a known member of the SLPS family,” said Cummings. He called her hiring “an excellent decision.”
Berry’s elevation follows a turbulent period that has drawn scrutiny and concern from educators, families and community leaders.
Borishade’s dismissal in October capped a contentious tenure marked by union opposition, controversy over proposed school closures and broader concerns about the district’s direction. A no-confidence vote by more than 2,000 teachers and staff underscored tensions between district leadership and educators.
Borishade has since filed a lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court alleging she was wrongfully terminated, claiming she was fired without cause and in retaliation for raising concerns about misconduct within the district. District officials have said a leadership change was necessary and that the matter will be resolved through the courts.
Her firing followed the earlier removal of Superintendent Keisha Scarlett in 2023. Board members cited violations of hiring protocols, including offering high salaries without approval. Scarlett has denied wrongdoing.
The rapid turnover has raised concerns about stability and transparency in district leadership, with calls for more openness in board decision-making and a steadier path forward.
Berry’s appointment reflects a shift toward internal leadership rather than a national search, a move some board members had supported as a way to provide continuity during a difficult period.
Berry’s contract as superintendent is set to begin July 1.
St. Louis Public Radio contributed to this report.