St. Louis, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The St. Louis Public Schools district is proposing the closure of 37 out of 68 schools due to declining enrollment, financial pressures, and extensive tornado damage. With a drastic drop in student numbers and the end of federal funding, the district faces a $42 million savings opportunity in the coming years. Community concerns about the impact of these closures on vulnerable neighborhoods and students are also rising as discussions unfold about the future of education in St. Louis.
St. Louis is facing a significant shift in its educational landscape as the St. Louis Public Schools district proposes to close over half of its schools in response to dwindling enrollment and extensive tornado damage. This decision comes as the district grapples with financial challenges, prompted by a shrinking budget, declining birth rates, and a rising preference for school choice.
A report commissioned by the district indicates that St. Louis Public Schools operates more than double the number of schools necessary based on current student enrollment figures. The situation reflects a national trend, where public school enrollment fell by 20% or more at nearly 1 in 12 public schools between 2019 and 2023, and is projected to decrease further by 5.5% across the U.S. from 2022 to 2031. Contributing factors include changing demographics, increased availability of private education alternatives, and a migration of immigrant families from urban to suburban areas.
Additionally, federal funding that previously supported schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end, further complicating matters for districts like St. Louis. The financial strain is particularly acute for the St. Louis district, which saw its student body shrink from 115,543 in 1967 to just 18,122 last year as residents have moved to suburban areas for better schooling options.
In the wake of a recent tornado that inflicted an estimated $63 million in damages and disrupted the education of nearly 3,000 students, the school board initiated discussions about potential closures. Currently, seven schools will not reopen this fall, and a proposed closure of 37 out of 68 schools, mainly elementary and middle institutions, may be on the horizon. This decision aligns with projected demographics indicating a 7% decline in the city’s population and a staggering 30% drop in student enrollment over the next decade.
The average age of the schools in the district is 79 years, leading to an estimated maintenance cost of around $1.8 billion over the next 20 years. By closing 37 under-populated schools, the district estimates it could save approximately $42 million in the 2026-27 school year alone. These funds could be redirected toward necessary improvements in facilities that remain open.
However, community leaders, along with representatives from the teachers’ union, have expressed apprehensions regarding the psychological impact that school closures could have on families and students displaced by the changes. Historical evidence from similar past school closures, such as the significant restructuring in Chicago in 2013, underscored the potential for increased violence and bullying among affected students.
Local opinions vary, with residents of historically Black neighborhoods expressing concern that these proposed closures could further destabilize already vulnerable communities. At recent school board meetings, some attendees focused on the immediate needs of families affected by the tornado rather than contemplating potential long-term school closures.
The St. Louis Public Schools district’s consideration of school closures represents a critical juncture in the city’s educational offerings. As community members grapple with the implications of these changes, the future of education in St. Louis hangs in the balance.
FAQ Section
What are the proposed school closures in St. Louis?
The St. Louis Public Schools district plans to close 37 out of 68 schools primarily due to declining enrollment and financial challenges.
What factors are contributing to the school closures?
Factors include significantly decreased student enrollment, a shrinking budget, a falling birthrate, and the end of federal COVID-19 funding.
How many students are currently enrolled in St. Louis Public Schools?
Last year, the enrollment was approximately 18,122 students, a dramatic drop from 115,543 in 1967.
What impact did the recent tornado have on schools?
The tornado caused an estimated $63 million in damages and affected the education of nearly 3,000 students, resulting in the closure of seven schools for the fall.
What are the plans for saving costs as a result of the closures?
The district estimates that closing the 37 schools could save about $42 million in the 2026-27 school year, allowing funds to be redirected towards necessary improvements.
Key Features of St. Louis School Closures
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | 37 out of 68 schools, mostly elementary and middle schools. |
| Financial Implications | Estimated savings of $42 million in the 2026-27 school year. |
| Enrollment Decline | Enrollment dropped from 115,543 in 1967 to 18,122 last year. |
| Tornado Impact | Recent tornado caused $63 million in damages, affecting 3,000 students. |
| National Trends | Public school enrollment decreased by 20% from 2019 to 2023; projected 5.5% national decline from 2022 to 2031. |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: Enrollment Falls as Districts Mull School Closures
- K-12 Dive: St. Louis Public Schools Propose School Closures
- Times Daily: Districts Across the US Considering School Closures
- Nashua Telegraph: School Closures Considered as Enrollment Falls
- Clinton Herald: Nationwide School Closure Discussions Amid Enrollment Declines
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- Google Search: School Closures in the US
- Google Scholar: School Closures Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
- Google News: School Closures
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