The State Board of Education is moving closer to a decision on whether to take control of the St. Louis Public School District from the elected board. Discussion of the troubles plaguing St. Louis Schools topped the agenda at Thursday’s State Board of Education meeting. And, while no action was taken, state education officials are hinting that February’s meeting of the State Board will include a vote to unaccredit the St. Louis School District and replace the elected board with a transitional board. State Board of Education President Peter Herschend says the St. Louis District has many problems, including an apparent inability of the elected board to get along with its Superintendent. Herschend insists there can be no progress until the current turmoil is replaced with cooperation and leadership. A report of the Special Advisory Committee on St. Louis Public Schools concludes the St. Louis District, in its current state, has not demonstrated an ability to meet certain requirements such as providing educational opportunities for children. It recommends the State Board impose a transitional school district by replacing the current board of education with a three-person governing panel. Herschend has called the current situation so bad that some significant change must take place.
