The Missouri State Board of Education has recently voted to assign provisional accreditation status to St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). This decision stems from the district’s failure to submit its annual financial audit on time, raising concerns about its compliance with state educational standards.
Background on the Accreditation Status
State officials have indicated that this unexpected move will bring increased oversight from state authorities. With provisional accreditation, there is often an opportunity for expanding charter schools, which are already present in St. Louis. This change occurs despite initial expectations that no districts would see alterations in accreditation statuses this month.
Missouri School Improvement Plan
Under the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP), which has undergone multiple iterations, school districts may face shifts in accreditation status based on their performance. Notably, SLPS was expected to receive provisional status next year due to persistently low scores on their Annual Performance Reports. The most recent decision advanced this timeline.
Reactions to the Decision
Ray Cummings, President of the American Federation of Teachers Local 420, voiced strong opposition to the board’s decision. He criticized board member Kerry Casey for initiating the motion to lower the district’s accreditation. Cummings characterized the decision as politically motivated, mentioning that it disregarded recommendations from the state commissioner and local representation.
- Ray Cummings: AFT Local 420 President
- Kerry Casey: State board member from Chesterfield
- Pamela Westbrook-Hodges: Sole board member opposing the motion
State Board’s Decision-Making Process
The board’s vote passed with a 6-1 majority, reflecting differing perspectives on the issue. State Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger expressed concern that lowering the district’s accreditation should not act as a punitive measure. She noted her commitment to assisting SLPS in improving both its academic and financial performance.
Eslinger highlighted that the provisional status would not significantly impact the district’s operations. For instance, SLPS will not lose funding, nor will there be an expansion of charter schools already in existence.
Future Actions by SLPS
In response to the accreditation change, St. Louis Public Schools plans to submit its annual financial audit by the end of the month, further demonstrating its commitment to compliance and improvement.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by urban school districts and the complexities of state oversight and educational standards. The focus remains on enhancing student performance and achieving full accreditation in the future.
