As St. Louis mourns the potential closure of its schools, community leaders and alumni express deep concern over the cultural and educational losses, particularly the historic Sumner High School.
Thomasina Clarke, a community advocate, fears the void left by school closures would deepen, particularly given Sumner's significance as a school celebrated for its illustrious alumni, including music icons Tina Turner and Chuck Berry.
St. Louis Public Schools is facing critical decisions similar to urban districts nationwide, scrutinizing the number of schools to maintain amidst shrinking budgets and a continuing decline in birth rates. A recent report indicates that the district operates far more schools than it needs.
Proposals to close schools cause distress to stakeholders, as empty schools strain finances and often lead to adverse outcomes for students, as noted by recent findings from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.
The dilemma isn’t confined to St. Louis; cities like Philadelphia, Boston, and Houston are also grappling with closing schools, while advocacy groups in Seattle and San Francisco have momentarily halted closures through public outcry.
Chicago witnessed substantial upheaval during its 2013 closures when around 50 schools shut down, leading to increased instability and difficulties among displaced students, a cautionary tale for districts now contemplating similar routes.
St. Louis’ student body plummeted from over 115,000 in 1967 to just over 18,000 last year, as families moved to suburban areas, particularly in the wake of tornado destruction.
Among the schools suffering from such challenges, Sumner remains a focal point. Despite damage from recent tornadoes, advocates continue to fight for Sumner's survival, stating it embodies the resilience of the community.
For students like Dakota Scott, who found her path at Sumner after struggling elsewhere, the school's resilience and the programs it offers have driven recovery and personal growth. Clarke’s hope lies in revitalizing the community, urging collaborative efforts to restore the vibrancy of the neighborhoods.
