Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Market Research Report

Background

Mission Statement: Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) is dedicated to preparing literate, career- and college-ready graduates. The district emphasizes placing children first, providing a safe and caring educational environment, involving the community in educational programs, integrating technology into learning processes, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Vision Statement: SLPS aims to ensure that students can succeed in a global society by developing exemplary educational programs, encouraging each student to excel, emphasizing lifelong learning, and leading in innovative educational techniques and programming.

District Overview: Established in 1838, SLPS has evolved from two schools serving 175 students to over 60 school buildings educating nearly 20,000 students. The district offers both neighborhood and specialized magnet schools, including the region's only free pre-kindergarten classrooms for 3- and 4-year-old children.

Key Strategic Focus

Transformation Plan 2.0: SLPS has outlined four primary goals to guide its operations:

1. Academic Excellence:
2. Safe and Healthy Schools:
3. Talent Development:
4. Efficient and Effective Operations:

These pillars aim to enhance educational outcomes, ensure student well-being, develop staff capabilities, and optimize district operations.

Strategic Initiatives:

Literacy for the Lou Campaign: In partnership with Nine PBS, SLPS distributed 36,000 books during the 2023-24 school year, integrating the "Drawn In" comic book series to foster a love for reading among students.

The Walking Classroom Program: Utilizing federal pandemic recovery funds, SLPS implemented this program to combine physical activity with educational podcasts, aiming to improve student wellness and academic achievement.

Financials and Funding

Budget Overview:

Annual Revenue (2021-22): $419,873,000

Expenditures per Student: $18,168

Revenue Sources:

Local: 81.1%

Federal: 14.5%

State: 4.5%

Financial Challenges:

Tax Abatements: Between fiscal years 2017 and 2023, SLPS lost over $200 million due to corporate tax abatements, with a loss of $34.3 million in 2023 alone.

Budget Deficit: The district transitioned from a $17 million surplus to a projected $35 million deficit within a year, prompting a state audit to investigate financial management practices.

Pipeline Development

Academic Programs:

Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience: Established in 2013, this magnet high school offers a rigorous curriculum focused on medical and bioscience fields, aiming to attract and retain families within the district.

Pre-Kindergarten Expansion: SLPS offers free pre-kindergarten classrooms for 3- and 4-year-old children, emphasizing early childhood education to improve long-term academic outcomes.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Educational Technology Integration:

The Walking Classroom: This program combines physical activity with standards-aligned lessons delivered via audio devices, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.

Digital Literacy Initiatives: SLPS integrates technology into the learning process to equip students with 21st-century skills, preparing them for a global society.

Leadership Team

Current Leadership:

Acting Superintendent: Millicent Borishade

Recent Leadership Changes:

Superintendent Transition: In August 2024, Superintendent Keisha Scarlett was placed on temporary leave amid financial management concerns, leading to the appointment of Deputy Superintendent Millicent Borishade as acting superintendent.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

Enrollment Decline: SLPS has experienced a significant decrease in student enrollment, dropping from 27,500 in 2008 to approximately 18,500 in recent years. This decline is attributed to factors such as city population decreases and the rise of charter schools.

Competitor Analysis:

Charter Schools: The proliferation of charter schools in St. Louis has intensified competition for student enrollment, impacting SLPS's student population and funding.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Key Partnerships:

Nine PBS: Collaborated on the "Literacy for the Lou" campaign, distributing 36,000 books to promote literacy among students.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Partnered to implement The Walking Classroom program, integrating physical activity with educational content to enhance student well-being and learning.

Operational Insights

Challenges:

Underutilized Facilities: With 26 schools operating at less than 50% capacity, SLPS faces challenges in resource allocation and operational efficiency.