• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CITYWIDE PLAN

    What is a Citywide Plan?

    In February 2021, The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis voted on advocating for a “pause” in building new schools until a Citywide Plan could be developed.  The Board applied the term, “Citywide Plan,” to the process of engaging education, parents, civic, business and key community leaders in planning for the future of education in the City of St. Louis.

    Why do we need a Plan?

    Presently, there are many more “seats” available in St. Louis area schools than there are students to fill them.  This leads to an unhealthy and unproductive competition for students who are literally caught in the middle of shifting educational landscapes.  Fair competition makes everyone better but there is nothing fair about how privately funded schools are not subject to the same standards, laws or requirements as public schools, which are governed by the State.

    Why are we in need of a Plan now?

    The St. Louis Public School (SLPS) District was founded in 1838 and, at one time, had 800,000 students across a network of architecturally significant school buildings.  Over the years, and due to a number of factors, the number of students has declined. SLPS currently has between 18 – 20,000 students in preschool through 12th grades (20,000 prior to Covid-19 pandemic).

    Student enrollment, mirroring population declines in the City, has gradually trended downward as families have relocated for jobs or housing or, selected alternative education. In the meantime, charter schools continue to open -- and close -- resulting in an unstable educational landscape overall.

    In 2021, SLPS closed seven schools and repurposed another because enrollment was low with no reasonable expectation for growth or development. Despite that, new schools continue to open with little or no attention given to whether or not the model is sustainable.  Unfortunately, a lack of planning has led to a sense of urgency in rightsizing the educational landscape even though these institutions are governed differently. Presently, the number of public, private, and charter schools is significantly disproportionate to the declining number of school-aged children in St. Louis.  

    Who is leading the effort?

    The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis launched the effort in 2021 with the establishment of a Citywide Planning Committee (CWPC); a core group of stakeholders who foster and lead community conversation around the topic.  The CWPC is presently chaired by Board Member Antionette “Toni” Cousins and co-chaired by Board Member Alisha Sonnier.

    What are the main goals of The Plan?

    The primary goal of creating a Citywide Plan is to include all stakeholders involved in a discussion that would lead to engaging legislators in a plan to redesign the foundation of education to meet the needs of today’s students.  While local elected officials do not have the authority to make the change, we hope to work together to advocate for legislative support in making change.

    Does this mean we don’t want more charter schools to open in St. Louis?

    The Citywide Plan is not a competition between public vs. charter schools.  In fact, the Board would like to engage education leaders across all school formats in the discussion.  The goal is to make thoughtful and informed decisions when it comes to opening schools in the St. Louis region.

    Is the Mayor involved in the Plan?

    Yes, for the first time in many years, civic leaders are working with educators in acknowledging that their successes are inextricably linked and that the only way St. Louis can become an excellent city is with an excellent educational system.

    Who has the final say on the development of a Citywide Plan?

    Missouri legislators have the power to redesign the framework for education in St. Louis and to be intentional about granting petitions to open new charter schools.  Over the coming months, you will notice the District becoming more actively engaged in measures that impact or threaten the quality of public education in the City of St. Louis.

     

    Click on the website tab “We Hear You,” to ask questions specific to the Citywide Plan. Follow the CWPC on its webpage, www.slps.org/citywide or on twitter @SLPScitywideplan.