Advocating for the educational success of St. Louis students has always been my mission. As the founder of Coalition With STL Kids, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers our children face in their pursuit of education—systemic inequities, underfunded schools, and a lack of tailored support for students who need it most. These challenges are not just numbers on a report; they represent futures being jeopardized, dreams deferred, and communities held back.

On October 11, 2023, frustration reached a boiling point as concerned parents voiced their outrage over the academic struggles of students in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) during a contentious board meeting. The low performance of students—reflected in alarming literacy and math proficiency rates—sparked passionate debates about the systemic challenges plaguing the district and a desperate demand for change.

In October 2023, a video surfaced featuring insightful interviews with educators, parents, and community leaders about the state of education in St. Louis. The discussions highlighted the pressing challenges and opportunities within our school system.

Welcome to the very first edition of #WeCantWait, an education equity newsletter from Coalition with STL Kids (CWSTLK). In this post, we’ll share our year-to-date successes, opportunities to get involved, important upcoming meetings, and the exciting launch of our new website.

St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) are in the midst of a pivotal moment, one that demands clarity, accountability, and immediate action. As a community, we cannot afford to sit idly by while administrative instability threatens the education of our children. At the recent SLPS Board of Education meeting, the stakes were clear: calls for resignations, an ongoing state audit, and a community divided.

A video capturing community members and activists discussing the literacy challenges faced by St. Louis Public Schools and the steps being taken to address these issues.

In July 2024, Coalition With STL Kids redoubled its efforts to address the literacy crisis affecting St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). With over 80% of students not reading at grade level, our mission has never been more urgent.

In June 2024, an investigative report revealed significant issues with recordkeeping and financial management within St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). These findings are a wake-up call for the community, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.

In March 2024, the Missouri State Auditor boldly announced plans to conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of the St. Louis Public Schools system. This significant decision follows widespread and growing concerns about the district’s financial management practices and the overall academic performance of its students, which many believe are falling short of expectations.

Community members, including Coalition With STL Kids, rally for immediate changes to improve the quality of education and address low literacy rates in St. Louis schools.

This feature story profiles Chester Asher, his work with Coalition With STL Kids, and his vision for improving literacy and education in St. Louis.