School Board

School boards in the Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Garden school districts retain most incumbent leaders to bring stability as they navigate financial uncertainty.

The school board races signal a desire from voters to move past some of the culture war issues the districts have faced in recent years.

Edwardsville and East Alton will see new board leadership as school districts have struggled to navigate budget shortfalls after pandemic-era relief money dried up last year.

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.

The Metro East board's action follows a similar move three months ago when it also voted to censure and remove for undisclosed reasons.

The actions at Monday's board meeting follow several teachers speaking out against Freeberg board member Jayson Baker. In his defense, Baker said he is "proud to stand alone, even if it comes at a great personal cost."

The search comes after Darcy Benway said she would step back from her role because for "medical purposes," according to the school board's president. Benway's replacement will be hired next July.

The District 90 investigation stems from ongoing charges against the assistant superintendent's son. Police in Oklahoma accuse the 24-year-old of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The investigation centers around the hiring of an assistant superintendent's son as a custodian after he was charged with one count of assault and battery in Oklahoma.

Amid a growing political divide, education advocates encourage parents and community members to engage with school boards in an effort to keep the focus on what’s best for students, rather than on the priorities of a select few.