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Gateway STEM and Soldan schools report positive colocation after May tornado displacement
Summary
Gateway STEM High School and Soldan International Studies described early successes and challenges in sharing space at 5101 McCree after a May 18 tornado damaged Soldan's building. Administrators reported expanded course access, shared extracurriculars and trauma-informed supports for displaced students while acknowledging logistical "hiccups."
Administrators from Gateway STEM High School and Soledan (Soldan) International Studies told the Saint Louis Public Schools board Wednesday that the two schools'temporary colocation at 5101 McCree has produced academic and social benefits even as families and staff continue to recover from the May 18 tornado that damaged Soldan's building and disrupted students' lives.
Why it matters: The colocation addresses urgent safety and facility needs after significant storm damage and household displacement. How the district manages shared space, transportation, and emotional supports affects displaced families, staff workloads and the schools' ability to preserve each program's identity while serving students.
What principals reported: Dr. Kelly Moore, principal of Soldan, said families and staff entered the 2025'26 year with "trepidation, nervousness, concern, and apprehension" after the tornado, which also displaced students from their homes. She said Gateway STEM's space has provided a "safe and welcoming environment" for Sol'dan students and families while their Union Boulevard campus is repaired. Dr. Moore added, "There have been hiccups and headaches and hindrances," but that collaboration has shown "adaptability, resilience and collaboration."
Gateway's leadership echoed the benefits: Nathaniel Lishway, assistant principal at Gateway STEM, said combining resources has expanded student access to advanced courses, career and technical programs, and extracurricular activities. He said students from both schools now participate in programs that were previously unavailable to some, and that staff and students have shown reciprocal support.
Support and logistics cited: Administrators thanked district teams for facilities work (HVAC, painting, flooring, keys and desks) and transportation adjustments. Gateway and Soldan leaders acknowledged ongoing challenges creating functional spaces for a larger combined population and increased drop-off/parking demands. They described close coordination with the district's building-and-grounds, transportation, athletic leadership and external partners.
Student experience and trauma support: Administrators emphasized social-emotional supports and opportunities for students to access a wider set of pathways (for example, Gateway STEM's science and technical programming and Soldan's world-language offerings). Dr. Moore said the colocation has allowed staff to better serve families who lost homes in the tornado by providing stability and sheltering some needs while displaced.
Ending: Both principals said the colocation is a temporary measure until Soldan's Union Boulevard campus is repaired; they described the arrangement as an opportunity to integrate programming strength across both schools while planning a return to Soldan's building when feasible.
