What I bring to the SLPS school board
By James H. Buford
Guest Columnist
As you may already know, I have been involved with this community’s efforts to reform the St. Louis Public Schools system from the beginning. Many times I have written in this column about the need for SLPS to unify the board, engage the community and inspire the students. For the past two years, I have watched SLPS in a constant state of turmoil with frustrated teachers, unhappy parents and students, board in-fighting and escalating school violence.
Now, I feel it is time to step in and help SLPS complete its mission of giving children the best education possible.
My appointment by Mayor Francis G. Slay was by no accident. It is my desire to do what is best for the kids. Reducing student violence, increasing community involvement, creating smaller schools, enhancing student achievement and supporting our superintendent, Dr. Creg Williams, are my main initiatives. Unlike other political operatives in this town, I have no personal agenda.
For the past 20 years, I have worked as the president of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, supporting the families of many of the students who attend SLPS with programs in housing, education, community outreach and employment. As a social service provider, I understand the importance of supporting the entire family and not just the child. This holistic approach to education will take SLPS to the next level.
In the past, Mayor Slay and I have disagreed on issues such as the St. Louis Police Civilian Review Board and the lack of community involvement in the initial stages of SLPS’ turnaround. However, I feel it is imperative that past issues be put aside in order to work towards a better future.
As African Americans in this community, we need to understand that a seat at the table is better than no seat at all. We need to understand that irrational, reactionary tactics won’t work. We must advocate in an intellectual, professional and effectual manner in order to meet our students’ needs at SLPS.
It is by negotiation that our goals will be met and not by agitation. In order for our kids to succeed, the vicious cycle has to stop. The crabs in the barrel approach to mending our schools have to end. The time has come for us to work towards progress and not destruction, because our kids will bear the consequences.
I have observed that service on the school board can be very challenging. The current board has made decisions that were very tough and very hard. There is a saying that hindsight is 20/20. With these experiences in mind, now is the time for us to move forward in a partnership with the school board, teachers, parents and the community-at-large to give our students all the tools they need to succeed.
James H. Buford is president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.