City Department of Education

The intertwined problems of declining population and dwindling public school enrollment have perplexed both city and education policy makers for decades. Efforts to bring together city and education leaders to co-generate policy solutions date back to at least 1985 when SLPS established a committee to oversee the development of a Long Range Plan. More recently, both the charter-led Better Futures and the SLPS-led Citywide Plan for Education attempted to develop a vision and create a plan to improve education in St. Louis but both efforts folded without actionable ideas to implement. 

In short, efforts to generate solutions start strong but fizzle out when leaders change or when things get hard. We can't non-profit or consultant our way out of this challenge. We need an entity dedicated to education which will persist past any one administration or individual political cycle. 

A City Department of Education will ensure timely, efficient communication and decision-making between SLPS, charter schools and city government. By establishing the department, this coordination will outlast any single administration or election cycle, providing a means of accountability and oversight WITHOUT changing the governance model for SLPS or the charter schools. This is not a proxy for mayoral control or any other alternative form of governance. SLPS school board members would still be democratically elected and charter schools would still have the autonomy to develop their own process and requirements for selecting board members. SLPS and charter schools would retain fiscal control of their budget and still have ultimate decision making authority as outlined by state law.

What would the City Department of Education do?

The City Department of Education would 

• convene meetings of all education leaders in the City, including City policy makers when appropriate

• conduct research, gather data, and offer public access to both

• improve intergovernmental collaboration between the city, SLPS, and charter schools

• assign staff members to serve as liaisions for SLPS and charter schools who will build relationships with education leaders, attend board meetings, and serve on committees and task forces

• facilitate the coordination of shared services like transportation, food service, and professional development by schools that choose to participate

• develop a plan to improve early childhood and special education

• monitor the functioning and effectiveness of the public school system as a whole

How would it be established?

The City Department of Education could be created through city legislation and voter approval, similar to how the Department of Streets was expanded into a Department of Transportation by inclusion on the November 2024 ballot. This approach would give voters and city residents the ability to signify their support of a systems approach to eduction policy. For too long, education policy decisions have been negotiated behind closed doors and by-invite only. This would signify a change by making the education policy process more open, transparent, and democratic.

There may also be other ways to establish the City Department of Education. If we can agree that it's needed, we can begin the process of determining the best way to create it.

How would it be funded?

The City Department of Education could be funded by several possible sources including City General Operating Budget, philanthropic donors, the Rams Settlement Fund, or any combination of these. Again, if we can agree that this department is needed, we explore options to pay for it.

What can the mayor do?

The mayor would appoint the director of the Department of Education just as she appoints the directors of other city departments. She would also ensure sustainable funding for the department through her role on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment.

Creating the Department of Education via voter approval will not be an easy or fast process. It will take time to draft legislation, obtain aldermanic support, and get the item on the ballot. Howver, there is an immediate need for the services a Department of Education could provide. In the short term, the mayor could create a position on her staff to facilitate some early education policy iniatives and convene preliminary meetings. This staff member would also serve as a liaison between the mayors office, the Board of Aldermen, the school board, and charter operators to establish and maintain open communication.

What can the Board of Aldermen do?

A member of the Board of Aldermen could introduce legislation establishing the Department of Education. The Board of Aldermen could also hold hearings on education related matters and offer the Director of the Department of Education a platform to provide updates and share information.

As with the mayor, there are immediate opportunities for the Board of Aldermen to get involved. They can invite education leaders to present to committee hearings; include education leaders when developing city policies about housing, transportation, and health; and send a representative to SLPS and charter board meetings. Aldermen can also visit the schools in their wards and take an active role in the school community by participating in school events, volunteering, and communicating with other stakeholders.

What can the SLPS school board do?

The school board can be supportive of the City Department of Education and establish a two-way dialogue to ensure an open and consistent flow of information between the two government entities. The school board can direct the superintendent to collaborate with the staff of the Department of Education to jointly identify research and data needs to improve SLPS, reducing the burden on SLPS staff. Members of the school board can also participate in Department of Education initiatives like committees and task forces, as needed and as requested.

What can charter boards do?

Charter school boards can be supportive of the City Department of Education and establish a two-way dialogue to ensure an open and consistent flow of information between the two government entities. The school board can direct the executive director or other staff to collaborate with the staff of the Department of Education to jointly identify research and data needs to improve SLPS, reducing the burden on SLPS staff. Members of charter school boards can also participate in Department of Education initiatives like committees and task forces, as needed and as requested.

What can City residents do?

City residents can become familar with the candidates running for school board, alderman, and mayor. By asking questions at candidate forums and townhalls, city residents can set the expectation that all candidates for office are expected to be informed about education issues and have a plan for how they can be involved in their improvement. City residents should vote for candidates who best represent their priorities for public education and those who value a cohesive, functioning system of public schools.