Special Administrative Board to hold summits to discuss the rebuilding of St. Louis Public Schools

The Special Administrative Board (SAB) of the St. Louis Public School District is seeking public input in the formulation of the district's comprehensive long range plan. Parents, students, staff, and community members are invited to two summits, which will be held on April 5 and April 12. The events are titled “Building Our Future: One Community, One School, One Child at a Time.” Both events will be held from 9 a.m. until noon at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave.

“Community focus groups recently identified 30 quality standards to be considered as we rebuild our school district,” said Richard Gaines, SAB member and chairman of the Comprehensive Long Range Planning Committee. “Input from parents, students, staff, and community members is a critical part of the strategic process.”

The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) evaluates school districts according to 14 performance standards. Focus groups named additional standards when asked what specific improvement strategies the district should implement to enhance student performance district-wide. Standards identified by the SAB include:

- All children should be reading at grade level by third grade.
- Parent participation needs to increase dramatically.
- All students should be college- or career-ready when they graduate.

The SAB also received feedback from the SLPS elected board and a blue ribbon committee made up of key civic and business leaders. The summits on April 5 and April 12 are being held to continue this dialogue, and to give all stakeholders the opportunity to be heard.

Childcare will be available for children ages two through ten. Provisions are also being made for transportation.

The events are free, but registration is requested. For more information, call 314-331-6060 or visit www.slps.org.