The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Board of Education has removed Superintendent Millicent Borishade from her position after just eight months in the permanent role. The decision was made during a special closed session on Friday, and the district has appointed Dr. Myra Berry, a long-time SLPS employee, as the interim superintendent.
The board's action follows a period of significant controversy, including a proposed plan to close more than half of the district's schools and a subsequent vote of no confidence from the teachers' union.
Key Takeaways
- The St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education voted 6-0 to remove Superintendent Millicent Borishade.
- Dr. Myra Berry, a 20-year district veteran, has been named interim superintendent.
- The removal follows Borishade's controversial proposal to close 37 schools and a vote of no confidence from the educators' union.
- The board stated a change was necessary to move the district forward, while Borishade claims she was terminated without cause.
Board Announces Abrupt Leadership Change
The decision to terminate Millicent Borishade's contract was finalized during a special board meeting held Friday afternoon. According to reports, the vote took place in a closed session, resulting in a unanimous decision among the members present.
In an official statement, the district explained the board's reasoning. "Following thorough consideration and discussion, the Board concluded that a change in leadership is necessary to move the district forward and strengthen confidence in its future direction," the release stated. The district also confirmed that cabinet members were briefed to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity in school operations.
Borishade had a relatively short tenure in the top position. She was appointed as the permanent superintendent in February following a 4-1 vote. Prior to that, she had served as the interim superintendent since July of the previous year, taking over the district's leadership during a critical period.
Controversial School Closure Plan a Key Factor
Borishade's time as superintendent was marked by a significant and controversial proposal that drew widespread criticism. In July, she announced that the district was considering a plan to close 37 of its 68 schools. This proposal was presented as a necessary step to address operational and financial challenges within the district.
The plan immediately sparked concern among parents, educators, and community members. The district's unionized educators and support staff responded decisively. On August 25, the union issued a formal vote of "no confidence" in Borishade's leadership, citing the school closure plan as a primary reason.
Background on the No-Confidence Vote
A vote of no confidence is a symbolic but powerful statement from an organization's members indicating that they no longer believe in a leader's ability to perform their duties. While not legally binding, it puts significant pressure on governing bodies and often precedes a leadership change, as seen in this case.
Union President Ray Cummings was vocal about the staff's position at the time. "Our students need a fresh start with a superintendent who wants to move rebuild and invest in strong St. Louis Public Schools," Cummings stated previously. He emphasized the union's belief that Borishade did not possess the necessary leadership to guide the district effectively.
Details of the Board's Decision
The vote to remove Borishade was 6-0. Board Member Ben Conover told local media he was not present for the final vote but would have opposed the measure. He expressed his disagreement with the timing and justification for the dismissal.
"I don't think that this is the time to be terminating a superintendent without cause," Conover said. "I have seen no evidence that this decision will help educate or serve our students."
His comments highlight a potential division within the board regarding the district's future direction. For her part, Borishade stated that she was terminated without cause, a claim that contrasts with the board's statement about needing a change in direction to strengthen confidence.
Superintendent Tenure in Urban Districts
The average tenure for a superintendent in a large urban school district in the United States is approximately 3 to 4 years, according to the Council of the Great City Schools. A tenure of less than one year is unusually short and often indicates significant conflict or disagreement over policy direction.
New Interim Leadership Appointed
With Borishade's departure, the district moved quickly to name a successor. Dr. Myra Berry will now serve as the interim superintendent. Dr. Berry is a familiar face within SLPS, having worked for the district for over two decades.
Her career with St. Louis Public Schools includes a variety of roles:
- She began as a teacher at Turner Middle School.
- She has held several administrative positions over the years.
- Most recently, she served as the Director of Performance Management in the Human Resources department.
The board's selection of an internal, long-serving employee suggests a desire for stability and institutional knowledge during this transitional period. The district's press release highlighted her extensive experience as a key asset.
What's Next for St. Louis Public Schools
The Board of Education has announced that it will immediately begin a formal search for a new, permanent superintendent. This process typically involves community input, stakeholder meetings, and a thorough vetting of candidates from across the country.
To provide more clarity on the recent decision and outline the next steps, the board is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday. This event will be an opportunity for officials to address questions from the media and the public regarding the leadership change and the future of the district.
The focus will now shift to Dr. Berry's interim leadership and the board's search for a permanent replacement who can unite the community and navigate the complex challenges facing St. Louis's public education system. The fate of the proposed school closures remains a critical question for the district's new leadership.
