Opinion: St. Louis Kids Deserve a New School Board and a New Direction
Source: STLTODAY
Date: September 15, 2024
Summary: This in-depth opinion piece from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch makes a compelling case for a fresh start in SLPS leadership. The article argues that the current administration has failed students and that systemic change is necessary. Read more at
The ongoing crisis in the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) system has made one thing abundantly clear: the current leadership has failed our children. From financial mismanagement to a lack of accountability, the SLPS Board has repeatedly demonstrated an inability to put students first. It is time for a change.
The Case for New Leadership
Public education should be centered on providing quality instruction, fostering student growth, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all children. Unfortunately, under the current SLPS leadership, we have seen declining literacy rates, budget shortfalls, and an increasing disconnect between the board and the community it serves.
Recent transportation failures, in which over 1,000 students were left without reliable bus services, are just one example of the district’s poor planning and lack of foresight. Parents and advocates have raised concerns about these issues for years, yet they continue to go unaddressed. Meanwhile, teachers are overburdened, schools remain underfunded, and students suffer the consequences of administrative neglect.
The Role of the Community in Driving Change
Parents, educators, and advocacy groups have mobilized in an effort to bring meaningful reform to SLPS. The Coalition With STL Kids (CWSTLK) has led calls for transparency and accountability, pushing for leaders who will prioritize student needs over bureaucratic politics.
Krystal Barnett and Dr. Zacheriah Davis, two reform-minded candidates running for the SLPS Board, have gained strong support from the community. Their commitment to student success, fiscal responsibility, and parent engagement represents a refreshing alternative to the status quo. "We need leaders who are willing to listen to parents, work alongside teachers, and demand better for our students," Barnett stated in a recent interview.
Holding the Board Accountable
The failures of the SLPS Board are not just bureaucratic missteps—they are failures that directly impact the future of thousands of children. If students are not receiving the education they deserve, they are being set up for a lifetime of obstacles. We must hold school board members accountable for their decisions and demand transparency in how taxpayer dollars are being allocated.
This is not a partisan issue; it is a community issue. When our children’s futures are at stake, there is no room for complacency. St. Louis parents must take a stand, attend board meetings, ask tough questions, and vote for candidates who will champion educational excellence.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine a school district where students receive the resources they need to thrive, teachers are supported and respected, and parents have a meaningful role in decision-making. This is the future we should strive for—a future in which every SLPS student is given the opportunity to succeed.
With the upcoming school board elections, we have a chance to reset the course of SLPS. The choices we make now will determine whether our children continue to struggle or finally receive the high-quality education they deserve. The time for change is now.
How You Can Help
The CWSTLK is organizing community events, voter education sessions, and advocacy efforts to ensure a better future for St. Louis students. Join the movement by staying informed, spreading awareness, and supporting candidates who put students first.
We owe it to the children of St. Louis to demand better. A new school board is not just necessary—it is essential.