ST. LOUIS – Three new members were sworn into the St. Louis Public Schools Board on Tuesday night, marking a pivotal moment for the district as it faces significant challenges.
Karen Collins-Adams, Brian Marston, and AJ Foster officially stepped into their roles, with Collins-Adams serving as the new president of the board. Their election signals a desire for change among voters after a tumultuous year for the district.
“I welcome the new board members’ desire to conduct a thorough review of the district’s operations and my role within it,” said Superintendent Millicent Borishade, who has been in her position since Feb. 18.
The new leadership team is tasked with addressing a projected $35 million deficit and a delayed audit, which could impact the district’s accreditation. These issues are compounded by the recent firing of former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett and the controversial promotion of Borishade.
Borishade highlighted three top priorities for the district: financial stabilization, a phased “Reimagining SLPS” initiative, and the future of the multilingual learners program, one thats been met with protests from staff and parents concerned about potential cuts.
Borishade expressed her readiness to work with the new board members, emphasizing their shared mission to provide quality education for all students.
The new board members face the challenge of restoring public trust and navigating systemic issues within the district. Their leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of St. Louis Public Schools.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.