St. Louis Public Schools

St. Louis Public Schools will not close any schools during this school year, according to district officials. To repair and maintain school buildings over 20 years would cost the district $1.8 billion, according to an architecture firm that is reviewing school buildings in the district.

Documents seized from the shooter’s car contained diagrams of the building, including notes that the gymnasium would be the first target.

Two years ago Thursday, a 19-year-old former student opened fire on students and staff at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, killing two and injuring seven before being fatally shot by police. St. Louis Public Schools holds a day of remembrance on the second anniversary of the shooting.

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.

After a hearing Monday, the St. Louis Board of Education voted 6-0 to terminate Scarlett's employment. The decision follows a Sept. 23 decision to end her three-year contract following an investigation into her hiring practices and other personnel decisions.

Leviticus McNeal is the new assistant director of transportation for St. Louis Public Schools. His hiring comes as the district cut ties with a transportation vendor who did not comply with safety standards.

Square Watson, chief operations officer for St. Louis Public Schools, said about 85% of students were getting to and from school on time. But the district’s efforts to address ongoing transportation issues could be hampered by the retirement of Transportation Director Toyin Akinola on Oct. 31.

St. Louis Public Schools’ acting Superintendent Millicent Borishade has inherited a long list of urgent issues to address. They include transportation concerns about vendor vans having expired license plates and other safety issues, student enrollment and district hiring practices.

The Missouri State Auditor’s office began an audit of the district on Aug. 13, and last week, St. Louis Public School District officials said they submitted the majority of documents requested by the office.

The St. Louis Board of Education voted 6-0 Monday to end Scarlett's three-year contract, following a third-party investigation into her hiring practices and other personnel matters.