In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant strides made in addressing teacher certification and evaluation within the district. Last year, the district faced a challenge with approximately 60 non-field certified classrooms. To combat this, partnerships were established with local universities, including UMSL, Lindenwood, SLU, and Harris Stowe, to facilitate the use of student teachers and support aspiring educators. Additionally, the state permitted the signing off on eight teachers who had previously struggled with certification, allowing them to obtain their initial credentials.

The meeting highlighted the importance of not only recruiting new teachers but also retaining them. Officials emphasized the need for a robust retention plan that clearly defines responsibilities for supporting teachers beyond the onboarding process. This approach aims to ensure that teachers receive the necessary support tailored to their needs.

Another critical development discussed was the implementation of a comprehensive staff evaluation system, which had not been conducted in over a decade. The district achieved a 100% evaluation rate for all staff members last year, with ongoing efforts to monitor classroom environments through regular walkthroughs.

The meeting also addressed the absence of a parent engagement specialist, a position that has recently become vacant. Officials acknowledged the necessity of fostering strong partnerships between parents and school principals to enhance community involvement. Efforts are underway to identify a new specialist and develop a cohesive parent engagement plan.

Lastly, the district conducted a culture and climate survey, although initial participation was low. To improve response rates, the survey has been extended for three weeks, accompanied by social media outreach and school-level discussions to encourage parent participation. These initiatives reflect the district's commitment to enhancing educational quality and community engagement.