Schools

On Aug. 2, St. Louis voters will decide on a $160 million bond measure for building upgrades at St. Louis Public Schools, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what schools need.

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office finds that public schools remain highly segregated along racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines. One reason: school district secession.

Across the board, districts say the same types of teachers are difficult to find — high school science and math teachers, foreign language teachers and special education teachers. There is also a big demand for custodians, food service workers and other support staff.

Efforts to eliminate lead in school drinking water got a huge boost on Friday, as Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed off on legislation requiring testing and also gave his approval to $27 million in federal funds to help schools install filters.

There are 119 districts around the state that have transitioned to a four-day week since 2010. At least 18 more districts are planning to make the transition next year, adding up to 25% of all districts in Missouri.

The districts facing new litigation have all been previously sued by Schmitt and include the Special School District of St. Louis County, Maplewood Richmond Heights, Clayton, Ladue, Webster Groves and Mehlville.

According to a fiscal analysis, the changes to charter school funding would initially cost the state an additional $62 million.

Metro East schools rarely have vegan or vegetarian lunch options, but that could change

Health officials say there is no safe level for exposure among children.

If schools refused to certify their district had complied with Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s demands to drop any and all COVID-19 restrictions, thousands in savings to taxpayers were at risk. In the nearly three months since the state required the certification form, 21 districts signed and seven refused.