Saint Louis Public Schools partners with city for tornado debris removal efforts

Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) is mobilizing a comprehensive recovery effort following the devastating tornado that struck the city on May 16, causing significant damage to school buildings and personal property. During a recent Board of Education meeting, officials outlined immediate actions taken to support affected families and stabilize school facilities.

In response to the disaster, SLPS quickly activated its emergency response team, providing essential services such as shelter, food, clothing, and mental health resources. The district has assessed damage across 28 school buildings, with estimates for stabilization costs reaching approximately $1.8 million. This includes securing roofs and addressing power outages to ensure safety before students and staff return.

Collaboration with the city has been a key focus. SLPS is partnering with Mayor Spencer's office to facilitate debris removal and recovery efforts. The National Guard will assist in this mission, operating from designated school sites starting May 29, where residents can drop off debris for sorting and removal. These sites will be open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, with safety measures in place, including unarmed personnel and health department support.

The board also discussed the importance of community engagement in recovery efforts. Plans are underway to conduct needs assessments to better understand how to support families moving forward. This includes potential collaboration on data sharing between SLPS and city officials to ensure that resources are effectively allocated.

The board unanimously approved a motion to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city for ongoing collaboration in recovery efforts. This partnership aims to strengthen communication and ensure that the needs of the community are met as the city begins to rebuild.

As SLPS continues to navigate the aftermath of the tornado, the focus remains on providing immediate support to families and ensuring the safety and stability of school facilities. The collaborative efforts between the school district and city officials highlight a united approach to recovery in the face of adversity.