FEBRUARY 24, 2025

A MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE:

The Time Is Now!

Dear Changemakers,

The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) system is in crisis. For years, the status quo—supported by the city’s teachers’ union, Local 420 AFT (representing only a minority of active educators)—has failed our students, families, and communities.

Declining academic performance, fiscal mismanagement, and a lack of accountability have left us with a broken system. But we believe in a better future for SLPS, and we know that #WeCantWait any longer to make it happen.

To truly reform SLPS, we need more than just one voice for change on the Board of Education. We need a majority.

That’s why we’re proud to announce the completion of our Change Slate:

• Dr. Zacheriah Davis: A dedicated educator with deep expertise in academic instruction and curriculum development.
  

• Krystal Barnett: A passionate advocate for parents and families, bringing years of experience as the founder of a parent advocacy nonprofit.
  

• Andre Walker: A financial manager with a proven fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency track record.

These candidates represent the diverse expertise needed to address the multifaceted challenges facing SLPS. From improving academic achievement and setting measurable performance goals to ensuring fiscal accountability and eliminating wasteful spending (such as no-bid contracts, luxury travel, and unnecessary upgrades), this team is committed to creating a school system that works for everyone.

But they can’t do it alone. To pass meaningful policies and hold leaders accountable, we need a voting majority on the Board. That’s why we’re urging you to #VoteTheSlate on April 8th. Learn more about each candidate at www.cwstlk.org.

CANVASS FOR CHANGE:

Your Role In The Movement

Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens when we come together as a community. We need your help to spread the word and ensure that every voter knows what’s at stake.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Canvass for Change: Join us on Saturdays to knock on doors and talk to voters about the future of SLPS. Youth volunteers (ages 12-17) will be paid $15/hour for their time and effort. Sign up for a shift here.
  

• Phone Bank: Spend an hour calling voters to ask for their support. Sign up here.
  

• Display a Yard Sign: Show your support by placing a yard sign at your home or workplace. Request one here.
  

• Donate: Help us fund our outreach efforts and spread the message that change is possible. Donate here.
  

• Volunteer Weekly: Tutor a child with Black Men Read or join one of our committees (Tutoring, Teacher Pay, Behavior Support, or SLPS Board Replacements). Learn more here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Connect With The Coalition

Experience the power of community by engaging with the Coalition at our events! Join fellow advocates, parents, and children as we unite for interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and inspiring presentations. Together, we amplify our voices and create lasting impacts in the lives of STL kids. Don’t just attend—be part of the change!

• #SaveSLPS Candidate Forum: February 26th, 6:00 PM at Drip Community Coffee House.
  

• Zoom Committee Meeting: Sign up here
  

• Saturday Canvassing for Change: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Northwest Roasting Coffee on Laclede.
  

• The Tribe House Party: We Found Each Other: March 14th, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Let’s celebrate the change-makers, dreamers, and warriors who are building a better future for SLPS.

This is our moment to reclaim the future of St. Louis Public Schools. By electing the Change Slate and mobilizing our community, we can create a school system that attracts students and families instead of driving them away.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay updated, and share our message with your networks.

Together, we can #SaveSLPS. Let’s make history on April 8th.

Sign up to volunteer, donate, or learn more today.

Warm regards,

Asher

(314) 816-0087