3 High Schools and District-Wide

Early Education Expansion

(Special to the Independent News)

In a series of town hall meetings focused on restructuring the Ferguson-Florissant School District, three options were shared with stakeholders that include the possibility of constructing a new comprehensive high school that would serve ninth through twelfth grade students from across the district.

Also proposed was the option of transforming  McCluer South-Berkeley into the district’s STEAM High School, a cutting edge learning facility focused on STEAM and project-based learning. MSB’s close proximity to the Challenger Learning Center and UMSL creates opportunities for extended learning. Under option three, District high school students not attending the STEAM high school would have the opportunity to attend a brand new high school if that option is selected and supported by the community. The location of the new high school if that option is selected has not been determined but would likely be on existing district property.

The first option presented in the town hall meetings included redrawing attendance boundaries, maintaining the current three high schools, the addition of PreK-2 schools, third through fifth grade schools, and sixth through eighth grade middle schools.

Ferguson-Florissant School District officials are committed to building a strong foundation for all students. All three options presented include PreK -2 schools that would serve students starting at three years of age through second grade. Historically, district students who attended FFSD early education out-performed other students in the district. The board has set a goal that at least 50% of 3-4 year-old children in the district will participate in District early education. The options presented facilitate accomplishing that goal.

The second option presented included two comprehensive high schools, McCluer and McCluer North and the transformation of McCluer South-Berkeley to the STEAM high school as well as PreK-2 schools, third through fifth grade schools, and sixth through eighth grade middle schools.

“We understand our community’s desire to preserve the legacy of success and memories from the past,” said Superintendent Joseph Davis: “We believe we can balance preserving those memories while preparing our children and community for the future.”

While all three options involve some changes, no decisions have been made regarding the use or naming of facilities. Those decisions will be based on the results of a facilities assessment by MGT Consulting Group. MGT is an experienced firm focused on the assessment of educational facilities across the country. MGT’s data as well as community feedback will inform the Board of Education’s decision which will likely come in October.

Students, parents, and community members will continue to have opportunities to share feedback with district leaders through a series of meetings in the coming months. More information on the restructuring process including dates and times of meetings may be found at www.fergflor.org/strong.

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