Board of Education Work Session Meeting 9/08/2026

The Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education held a work session on September 8, 2026, focusing primarily on educational updates, charter school sponsorship, and district oversight. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the annual update and renewal recommendation for the sponsorship of Confluence Academy, a charter school network. The board reviewed Confluence's academic performance, organizational stability, and compliance, noting that the school met or exceeded growth standards in recent years and was removed from remedial status. The board was scheduled to vote on the renewal recommendation on September 22, 2026. Public comments reflected concerns about charter schools' impact on the district, funding challenges due to state legislation and tax abatements, and the need for improved literacy and math proficiency. The board also discussed and approved a resolution supporting a whole child community school model, emphasizing wraparound services for students. Additionally, the board approved a contract for temporary general counsel services at $15,000 per month, supplementing an existing legal services contract. The meeting included motions and votes related to agenda approval, consent items, and moving into closed session.