Thomasina Clarke has observed a heartbreaking trend in her St. Louis neighborhood, where school closures have become commonplace amid a declining population exacerbated by a recent tornado. “It’s like a hole in the community,” stated Clarke, who fears further loss as officials discuss shutting down a high school once attended by icons like Tina Turner.
The St. Louis Public Schools are confronting harsh realities much like districts nationwide as they assess the viability of schools in light of shrinking budgets and changing demographics. A district-commissioned report indicates that the current number of schools far exceeds the needs of the student population.
Nationally, nearly 5,100 public schools have seen enrollment drop by 20% or more since 2019, especially in low-income neighborhoods, leading to dire considerations of closures. St. Louis, which has experienced a significant enrollment drop from over 115,000 students in 1967 to just over 18,000, reflects the crisis at hand.
In several cities including Philadelphia and Boston, similar discussions regarding school closure persist. Historical precedents, like the 2013 mass closure of 50 schools in Chicago, have shown knock-on effects on student performance and community cohesion, igniting fears among educators and families alike.
In St. Louis, a recent natural disaster has compounded concerns over potential school closures, particularly regarding institutions like Sumner High School, which needs repairs after tornado damage but also holds a deep educational and cultural significance for the community.
As discussions around closures heat up, both teachers’ unions and community leaders are rallying to advocate for the importance of maintaining schools as bastions of hope and opportunity. With history and legacy at stake, the fight to preserve educational institutions continues amid a backdrop of economic challenges.
