Staff members and teachers from the Nahed Chapman New American Academy presented a petition in support of the program after SLPS leadership announced the program would be undergoing major changes.

Three seats are up for grabs for the April 8 election. The St. Louis Board of Education is in charge of governing one of the largest public school districts in the region.

The Midgets mascot originated roughly 90 years ago. If passed by Illinois lawmakers, the bill would require the Metro East high school to change by September 2028.

The St. Louis Public Schools superintendent announced the news to teachers and staff during professional development meetings on Friday.

Swastikas and a misspelled slogan, “WITE POWER,” were spray-painted on the front of the high school.

Along with an unspecified number of job cuts and changes to academic programs, the plan includes early retirement buyouts that will start this spring to balance the budget by 2027.

Rayven Calloway was hired last year as a turnaround principal for KIPP St. Louis High School in Midtown.

Eleven candidates are running for three seats on the Board of Education for the St. Louis Public Schools. The election will be held on April 8.

There are now 11 candidates running in the April 8 election to fill three seats on the board.

The board appointed Borishade as superintendent during a closed session Tuesday night without opening up a formal hiring process.