• GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

    Charter School – A charter school is a public school that may provide instruction in any combination of grades.  Anyone can initiate a charter petition which is typically presented to and, in most parts of the country, approved by a local school district’s governing board.  However, it is important to note that in Kansas City and St. Louis public schools do not have direct involvement in this process.

    Citywide Plan – For the purposes of this discussion, the Citywide Plan is a plan for redesigning the foundation of education.

    Local Education Agency (LEA) – An LEA is a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State to provide either administrative control, direction or support.

    Moratorium – A temporary stop to business or a suspension of law or regulation.  In this case, the term “moratorium,” was used to call for a “pause;” to buy time to resolve perceived and/or experienced educational issues through an inclusive planning process.  

    Parent Action Committee (PAC) – SLPS’ Parent Action Committee is a parent organization that promotes parent engagement across all schools in the District.  Recently, the PAC initiated an advocacy committee that helps to inform and prepare parents to speak on the District’s behalf in legislative matters that affect District students and families, teachers, schools or communities.

    Public School (System) – A school (or, a system of schools) that is publicly funded, operated, and supported by the government.  Public school offers free education for all. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides operational, educational, and financial oversight for all Missouri public school systems.  

    Private School – Privately owned and funded without assistance from local state or federal governments.  Private schools may be selective in the students they accept. They are not bound to the same rules or standards as public schools.

    Resolution – An agreement or firm decision to do or not do something.  As an example, The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis adopted a resolution supporting a moratorium on the opening of new schools as a way of unifying and solidifying the District’s interest in engaging stakeholders in reimagining a modern educational format as part of a regional planning process.