2026 Board of Education Candidate Forum | October 15, 2026

Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education candidate forum, held October 15, 2026. Candidates discussed the proposed Future Ready plan, possible school closures and their effects on neighborhoods, community engagement, academic achievement, teacher recruitment and pay, equity in gifted programs, charter-school funding, and oversight of the district budget. Several candidates supported delaying Future Ready implementation for further engagement; others opposed postponement or favored proceeding while adjusting the plan in response to feedback. These were candidate positions, not board decisions or votes.

Budget-related discussion focused on monitoring allocations and protecting classroom teaching, arts, special education, mental-health services, and academic interventions in a potential shortfall. Candidates also raised the reported $50 million directed to charter and private schools, suggested using ARPA funds to help families manage transportation impacts, and advocated exploring funding for trade-school and career-certification programs. No contracts, vendor selections, bid approvals, formal spending actions, or other procurement activity were identified.