On February 27, 2025, eleven candidates vying for three seats on the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Board of Education participated in two separate forums. These events provided platforms for the candidates to present their visions and policies to the public ahead of the April 8 election.

In this Nine PBS Report, Senior Producer Ruth Ezell examines these issues in partnership with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The report’s release comes less than three months before a municipal election in which more than half of the seats on the SLPS Board of Education are up for grabs.

A recent lawsuit filed against the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) board alleges that district officials illegally barred an education advocate from attending public meetings, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in district governance. The case has sparked widespread debate about the board's decision-making and commitment to community engagement.

The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Board has voted to remove Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett from her position following months of controversy and administrative turmoil. The decision, which came in a heated session, has sparked debate among educators, parents, and community leaders about the future of the district and the need for stability in leadership.

The Missouri State Education Board has approved the establishment of a new charter school in North St. Louis, aiming to provide additional educational opportunities for students in the area. This initiative seeks to address educational disparities and offer alternative learning environments to better serve the community.

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 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.

The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) system has been plunged into turmoil as over 1,000 students have been left without reliable transportation just days before the school year begins. This logistical failure has left parents scrambling for solutions, while district officials struggle to respond to mounting concerns over student safety and accessibility.

Less than 48 hours before the first day of class, at least 1,000 Saint Louis Public Schools students were left without transportation.

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.

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.

For many students in St. Louis, literacy remains a critical challenge. According to recent statistics, nearly 80% of Black students in the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) system are not reading at grade level. This literacy crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting students’ academic performance, confidence, and future opportunities.