Charter Schools

The Missouri State Board of Education approved the application for Friendly Academy, a new charter school in St. Louis Public Schools. The decision comes as the school district is consolidating and closing some schools due to low enrollment and expensive maintenance on older buildings.

Since 1991 there have been more charter schools to open than public schools in the city of St. Louis, but researchers from St. Louis University say more collaboration between the two could prove fruitful for educators and students in the city.

Margie Vandeven, who leaves the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the end of the month, discusses enduring problems and bright futures within Missouri’s K-12 education system.

The legislation backed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson will boost the minimum salary for teachers, change the formula for funding public schools and expands a tax-credit scholarship for private schools.

The first round of money will bolster the development and expansion of charter schools in St. Louis, including adding various college preparation programs and more.

The Senate gave initial approval to a 153-page education package with 20 of the chamber’s 34 members in support.

Public school enrollment is relatively flat this year, compared to last year. But it is still down from recent years, and experts say more decline is likely coming.

Community members, educators and activists in north St. Louis are protesting the opening of Believe St. Louis Academy — a charter school supported by Opportunity Trust. They say opening charter schools reduces funding from St. Louis Public Schools and leads to further teacher layoffs.

This year's Illinois veto session adjourns without renewing the state's Invest in Kids Act.

The board says it was not given proper notice in the charter school’s application process.