Pictured: Michael Haggen, Associate Superintendent of Innovative Services for St. Louis Public Schools, speaks during the November Superintendent’s Pastor Breakfast about EPIC Schools.

EPIC stands for Educators Providing Innovative Change. EPIC schools evolved from its formally known name of School Improvement Grant schools. These 11 schools received $4.3 million collectively to improve based on comprehensive school improvement models known as the Turnaround model and the Transformation model. Both models require significant staff changes, professional development and revamped curriculum to improve student academic achievement.

During the Superintendent’s Pastor Breakfast, Michael Haggen talked about the importance of our community partners, such as the area pastors, becoming involved through mentoring and tutoring. In addition, gathering resources together to help support the basic needs of students.