Several St. Louis Schools have failed to be certified due to their test grades. They lack accreditation and students transferring out of these failing schools should be placed in schools still in operation. However, a bill to force remaining St. Louis Schools to accept the new students was defeated in Missouri legislature. As surviving St. Louis Schools shut their doors to more students, people are beginning to look to virtual education alternatives. Of the 23 regular St. Louis Schools, 10 have publicly denied accommodation to any more students due to lack of room. But internet classroom space will be unlimited.
If the court agrees, the unaccredited status in St. Louis School District will take place officially on June 15 and 30 days afterward, the district may appeal the decision. If the status is maintained, the district will be forced to pay for the tuition and expenses of all successfully transferred students. As a district in transition, the governing of school affairs has been delegated to a new three-person panel. St. Louis Schools that have failed may be presented with the chance to redeem themselves if they can become independently accredited. The process for such accreditation is rigorous, invites outside evaluation, and requires high student performance.
If St. Louis becomes an unaccredited school district, the state will fully take over school operations. The state is authorized to intervene when a district becomes unable to help itself or continue functioning. In order to protect the welfare of its students, the state may authorize a three person governing board. This preliminary action has been taken in St. Louis and the school district is in transition. The St. Louis Schools’ District is expected to be officially in transition for six years. Hopefully, this allotted time will be sufficient to make the district healthy enough to self sustain in the future. The three person board has currently set these goals for itself: they hope to create an academic accountability plan, explore alternative forms of district government, work with nonprofit organizations to keep St. Louis Schools operating, and rehabilitate the learning facilities in the St. Louis area.
School improvement is much needed in St. Louis Schools. When asked about the problems students might face with college acceptance, and college scholarships, officials said only that it should not be a problem. However, graduating from an unaccredited high school does worry both parents and students of St. Louis Schools. It’s a long road ahead for administrators, educators and students.
