Shaping the Future of Public Education in the St. Louis Region

The St. Louis region is experiencing significant demographic changes affecting nearly every public school district. Since 2020, the region has lost approximately 30,000 school-age children, and births continue to decline. These trends are creating long-term challenges for enrollment, finances, and educational opportunities. The Task Force was formed to develop evidence-based options before outside forces or state action determine the future of our communities.

No. Normandy's accreditation downgrade risk is the catalyst, but the challenge is regional. Enrollment has declined across many districts throughout the St. Louis area, making this a shared issue requiring regional planning.

No. There is no predetermined outcome. The Task Force is evaluating four approaches:

• Maintaining Normandy's independence

• Multi-district reassignment

• Regional consolidation

• A "Blank Slate" approach with no assumptions about current district boundaries

Each option will be evaluated using the same research, data, and community feedback.

Approximately 40 representatives from across the region, including superintendents, charter school leaders, school board presidents, teachers' union leaders, parents, students, mayors, state legislators, and community leaders. This is a community-led effort designed to reflect diverse perspectives.

The Task Force’s research team includes experienced professional auditors who evaluate evidence, validate data, and test assumptions. The team draws on PRiME Center research, data from DESE and participating districts, and evidence from leading education-policy and research organizations such as ECS, RAND, NCES, IES, Edunomics Lab, and the Learning Policy Institute. This ensures recommendations are grounded in reliable data and independent analysis—not opinion.

No. This is a planning process—not a merger proposal. No district has been identified for consolidation, and no option has been selected. Any recommendation will follow research, community engagement, and independent evaluation.

Yes. Any option must maintain public accountability, elected governance, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. This is not a charter school expansion initiative.

To ensure stronger educational opportunities, every option must:

• Put students first

• Preserve community identity and district heritage

• Improve academic opportunities

• Be financially sustainable

• Prepare students for college, careers, and the future workforce