Dive Brief:
- St. Louis Public Schools will close nine schools, dropping the district’s total from 61 to 52 schools as of the 2027-28 school year under a plan approved by its Board of Education on Nov. 10.
- The district pegged the move to a significant enrollment drop of 58.5% — or 25,303 students — between 1991 and 2025. In addition, the district is still recovering from enrollment disruptions because of families displaced by tornados that hit the area in May 2025.
- It’s unclear how much the closures will save, but an earlier proposal last year to close over half of the district’s schools was expected to net $182.4 million in savings by 2030-31. Districts across the nation are weighing school closures or reconfigurations to stave off budget shortfalls resulting from declining enrollments.
Dive Insight:
Before the 4-3 vote to close the nine schools, St. Louis board members discussed the reasons for the move, including a need to consolidate resources by shuttering underenrolled schools and to improve student outcomes. Some board members blamed private school choice and historic underinvestments in local public schools for the position the district finds itself in.
The vote took place during a marathon meeting where board members considered several other recommendations to the district’s Future Ready SLPS initiative. That plan addresses financial stability, academic improvements, operational efficiencies and boosting attendance.
The recommendations also cover school repurposing, grade level configurations, school designations, school start times, and expanded career and technical education opportunities. Many of the proposed changes would begin in the 2027-28 school year, with additional transitions planned for future years…