The Missouri State Board of Education has voted to downgrade the accreditation status of St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS), moving the district from fully accredited to provisionally accredited. The decision, made during a recent board meeting, follows a period of significant challenges for the district, including leadership instability and financial oversight concerns.
This change in status places the city's school system under increased scrutiny from state education officials and raises questions about the path forward for its students, educators, and administrators.
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri State Board of Education has officially lowered the accreditation status of St. Louis Public Schools to "provisionally accredited."
- Cited reasons for the downgrade include ongoing transportation problems, late financial audits, and frequent changes in superintendent leadership.
- The local teachers' union, American Federation of Teachers Local 420, has strongly criticized the board's decision, calling it unfair and disrespectful to local voters.
- The district's new leadership now faces the task of addressing these systemic issues under heightened state oversight.
State Board Cites Systemic Failures
The decision to lower the district's standing was not made lightly. During the board meeting, members pointed to a series of persistent problems that have plagued SLPS. These issues suggest systemic weaknesses that the board felt were no longer tenable under a "fully accredited" status.
Among the primary concerns was the district's administrative and leadership turnover. The recent firing of Superintendent Millicent Borishade and the subsequent appointment of an interim leader were highlighted as part of a disruptive pattern. Consistent leadership is often seen as crucial for implementing long-term strategic plans and maintaining stability.
Financial management also came under fire. The district's failure to submit its required annual audit on schedule was a significant factor. While a new submission target of January 31 was set, the delay raised red flags regarding the district's financial health and transparency.
The Impact of Provisional Accreditation
Provisional accreditation serves as a formal warning from the state. It signifies that while the district meets minimum standards, it is deficient in several key areas and is at risk of falling into unaccredited status if improvements are not made. This status typically triggers more intensive support and monitoring from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
For families and students, the immediate classroom impact may not be noticeable. However, the designation can affect community perception, property values, and the district's ability to attract and retain high-quality educators and administrators. It places immense pressure on the current leadership to enact swift and effective reforms.
Union Leadership Pushes Back
The decision was met with immediate and forceful opposition from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 420, the union representing many of the district's educators. In a strongly worded statement, union president Ray Cummings expressed deep disappointment with the state board's action.
"We are disappointed in the Missouri Board of Education’s action on changing St. Louis Public Schools accreditation status from ‘fully accredited’ to ‘provisionally.’ To single out city schools is disrespectful of voters and due process."
Cummings argued that the move was unfair, particularly as the state had previously indicated that accreditation statuses would remain unchanged for all schools until 2027. He suggested that the action unfairly targeted an urban district.
The union also defended the district's new leadership, arguing they should have been given a fair chance to fix the problems inherited from the previous administration.
"The new leadership of the district should have been given every opportunity to correct the previous administration’s errors," Cummings stated. He added that tying the current action to a Chief Financial Officer hired by the former superintendent does a "disservice to voters, families, educators, and district employees."
A Path Forward Under Pressure
With the state board's decision finalized, the focus now shifts to SLPS and its interim leadership. The district must develop a clear and actionable plan to address the specific deficiencies identified by the state. This will likely involve a multi-pronged approach.
Key Areas for Improvement:
- Financial Oversight: The first and most immediate task is submitting the overdue annual audit. Beyond that, the district will need to implement stronger financial controls and processes to ensure transparency and timeliness in all future financial reporting.
- Leadership Stability: Establishing and retaining a permanent superintendent will be critical. The school board will be under pressure to conduct a thorough search and select a leader capable of navigating the district through this challenging period.
- Operational Efficiency: The transportation issues mentioned by the state board point to broader operational challenges. The district will need to review its systems for transportation, logistics, and other core services to improve reliability for students and families.
The community will be watching closely. The downgrade in accreditation is more than a bureaucratic label; it is a call to action for the district to rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education for every student in St. Louis. The coming months will be a critical test of the new administration's ability to stabilize the district and chart a course back to full accreditation.
