ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis Public Schools is grappling with a leadership crisis as it works to restructure its system.

Since the superintendent was fired in September, the district has watched the transportation and security directors leave. Now, two more managers are set to depart by year’s end: Karlla Dozier, chief of human resources compliance, and Angie Banks, chief financial officer.

La Kesha Dean said one of her children is in SLPS schools and the other is at a charter school. She told FOX 2 she now wishes both of her children were in the SLPS system.

“They seem so dedicated to the work even with all of that going on,” she said. “I just pray that they can get somebody in there that cares like the rest of SLPS staff does, someone that will put the community first, the teachers.”

These exits leave nine key positions vacant within academics, finance, transportation, and food services. The district is actively seeking a new CFO, offering a starting salary of $165,000 to address a significant budget deficit.

SLPS also faces transportation challenges after losing several bus providers last year, leaving the incoming transportation director with a major task.

Despite these issues, many parents remain optimistic about the district’s future and believe SLPS will overcome its current struggles to deliver for students.

Dean added, “The teachers are great; they really care. The social workers have been so helpful to us when we were going through a homelessness situation. They have been such a blessing. Like for real. They really care about the students. I trust my kids there.”

FOX 2 did reach out to SLPS but hasn’t received a response as of Thursday night.