St. Louis, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The St. Louis Public Schools district is proposing to close 37 out of 68 schools due to declining enrollment, financial issues, and tornado damage. This decision is expected to significantly impact thousands of students and save the district approximately $42 million in the next school year. Community leaders express concerns over the effects on neighborhoods and ongoing educational resources. The district’s enrollment has dropped dramatically over the years, complicating the already challenged educational landscape.
St. Louis is facing a significant change in its educational landscape as the St. Louis Public Schools district proposes the closure of more than half of its schools due to a combination of declining enrollment, financial strains, and tornado damage. This plan could see the closure of 37 out of 68 schools in the district, impacting the education of thousands of students.
The proposal comes after a district-commissioned report revealed an oversupply of school facilities relative to the current student enrollment figures, indicating that the district has more than double the number of schools needed. With student enrollment falling from 115,543 in 1967 to just 18,122 last year, the district is grappling with a consistent trend of declining birth rates and increased competition from private education options. Further complicating the matter is the recent tornado that inflicted an estimated $63 million in damages, disrupting the education of nearly 3,000 students and adding urgency to the district’s financial challenges.
According to available data, public school enrollment across the country has faced a decline of 20% or more at nearly 1 in 12 public schools from 2019 to 2023. Projections indicate a further national decline of 5.5% between 2022 and 2031, driven by shifting demographics and the preferences of families, many of whom have sought educational opportunities outside traditional public schools. The decline in federal pandemic relief funds has exacerbated the financial strain on districts like St. Louis, which previously relied on temporary support to offset operational costs.
The proposed school closures are projected to save St. Louis Public Schools approximately $42 million in the 2026-27 school year alone. Typically, the average age of district schools is now 79 years, leading to costly maintenance estimates of around $1.8 billion over the next 20 years if current trends continue. This financial assessment has led the school board to reconsider the viability of maintaining numerous under-populated schools, thus contributing to the decision to potentially close 37 sites, primarily elementary and middle schools.
The impact of this decision is expected to be profound, particularly for communities such as those represented by local residents who worry about the implications for their historically Black neighborhoods. Community leaders and representatives of the teachers’ union have expressed concerns about the psychological effects of displacing families and students, especially those already affected by the recent tornado. Emotional and social factors, as well as the immediate needs arising from the tornado damage, are at the forefront of discussions among stakeholders.
In addition to the school closures, there are ongoing efforts within the community to save specific educational resources, highlighted by past initiatives such as the coalition formed to expand the arts curriculum at Sumner High School. This has generated interest in preserving the district’s educational assets despite the overarching challenges posed by declining enrollment and financial pressures.
As discussions about the proposed closures progress, the school board is under pressure from concerned community members who emphasize the necessity of addressing the immediate educational disruptions faced by families impacted by the tornado as well as the future implications of potential school closures.
FAQs
-
What is the main reason for the proposed school closures in St. Louis?
The primary reasons for the proposed closures are declining enrollment, financial strains, and the recent tornado damage impacting several schools. -
How many schools are being considered for closure?
The district is considering the closure of 37 out of 68 schools. -
What financial impact are the closures expected to have?
The closures could save the district approximately $42 million in the 2026-27 school year. -
How has St. Louis Public Schools’ enrollment changed over the years?
The enrollment has dropped from 115,543 students in 1967 to 18,122 last year, with continued projections for further declines. -
What are the implications of the recent tornado on school closures?
The tornado caused an estimated $63 million in damages and disrupted the education of nearly 3,000 students, increasing urgency in closure discussions.
Key Features of the St. Louis School District Proposal:
Proposed School Closures: 37 of 68 schools
Student Enrollment Decline: From 115,543 in 1967 to 18,122 last year
Projected Financial Savings: $42 million in the 2026-27 school year
Tornado Damage: Estimated $63 million affecting nearly 3,000 students
Average Age of Schools: 79 years
Estimated Maintenance Costs: $1.8 billion over the next 20 years
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Depression Nine Approaches South Florida
Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events Canceled
Tragic Contractor Death in Maple Grove Construction Zone
Barack Obama Raises Concerns About Political Polarization in Education
Novi Faces Water Main Break, Prompting Boil Water Advisory
Water Main Break Disrupts Novi Schools and Residents
Eastwood Elementary School Faces Closure Amid Protests
How to Maximize Your Home Buying Experience: 10 Essential Tips for First-Time Buyers
Wood County Board Approves Funding for New Lincoln Elementary
Human Remains Discovered at Construction Site in Greenwich
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
