St. Louis Public Schools Board Approves Closure of Nine Schools Amidst Opposition
The St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education voted to close nine schools for the upcoming year, including Ames, Ashland, Carver, Hamilton, Hickey, Meramec, Monroe, and Walbridge elementary schools, as well as AESM @ L’Ouverture Middle School. The decision, which…
St. Louis, MO, November 11, 2026 — The St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education has voted to close nine schools ahead of the upcoming academic year, a decision that will reduce the district’s total number of operating schools from 61 to 52. The schools slated for closure are Ames Elementary School, Ashland Elementary School, Carver Elementary School, Hamilton Elementary School, Hickey Elementary School, Meramec Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, and Walbridge Elementary School, along with AESM @ L’Ouverture Middle School.
This significant move by the Board of Education comes after considerable opposition from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students. These groups had reportedly urged the board to delay the decision, expressing concerns about the impact of the closures on students and communities. However, the board proceeded with the vote, citing a need for consolidation.
The rationale behind the school closures is multifaceted, stemming from a district-wide consolidation plan designed to address several ongoing challenges. These challenges include declining student enrollment, persistent financial constraints, and the need to manage aging school facilities. The district aims to streamline operations and reallocate resources more effectively by reducing the number of schools.
Specific details regarding the timeline for these closures beyond the upcoming year, the process for reassigning students and staff, or the ultimate fate of the closed school buildings were not explicitly detailed in the summary provided. The decision represents a major shift in the district’s infrastructure, reflecting an effort to adapt to current demographic and financial realities.
Story summarized from the original created by Hiba Ahmad on www.stlpr.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
