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Students, presenters urge board to adopt ‘community schools’ model starting 2026–27
Summary
Students and community partners described Chicago’s full-service school model and recommended the board pass a resolution directing SLPS to implement a Saint Louis version of sustainable community schools with wraparound services beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
A group of students and community presenters told the Saint Louis Public Schools board on Dec. 9 that neighborhood schools should serve as comprehensive hubs for families, and asked the board to adopt a resolution directing the district to implement a local version of Chicago-style community schools.
The students and community presenters described what they learned on a recent fact-finding trip to Chicago, where schools offered health care, tutoring, restorative-justice practices, before- and after-school programs and connections to local colleges. "Seeing that made me realize how powerful it is when a school invests in the whole student and the whole community," said student Yanni McGranetos, describing supports that helped students feel safe and connected.
District staff said the community-schools model can be phased in, beginning with the lowest-performing schools and the district’s identified ‘‘trifecta’’ area in the 2026–27 school year. A staff presenter recommended the board pass a resolution directing implementation of a Saint Louis version of sustainable community schools that pairs wraparound services, partnerships and programs with school openings and revitalization.
Board members praised the student testimony and staff recommendations but did not vote on the proposed resolution during the work session. District leadership said final action would follow additional planning; the recommendations presented to the board included starting implementation in 2026–27 and targeting the lowest-performing schools first.
The presentations highlighted specific examples from Chicago — co-located pre-K through a two-year community college in a common neighborhood, arts and media programs, and health centers — and called for local adaptations, workforce development, and sustained outside investment. The presenters referenced investments and community-led planning as essential to avoid repeated school closures and to support long-term neighborhood revitalization.
Next steps: staff recommended a formal resolution for a future meeting and said the board would receive further implementation details before any formal adoption.
