Thomasina Clarke has watched school after school close in her once thriving St. Louis neighborhood, which has experienced a decline in population and infrastructure. It’s like a hole in the community, Clarke said, fearing the closure of a high school with a rich history that includes alumni like Tina Turner and Chuck Berry.
St. Louis Public Schools is facing tough choices amid shrinking budgets and a declining birth rate, as many urban districts across the nation are contemplating reducing the number of schools they operate. A recent district report indicated that the school system has more than twice the number of schools needed.
Such closures could have long-term negative impacts on students, echoing the lessons from previous closures across cities like Chicago, where student performance suffered after schools were shuttered.
Community leaders worry about the impact of further school closures in the predominantly Black Ville neighborhood. With Sumner High School among the institutions damaged by recent tornadoes, discussions on its future remain tense.
More than 70% of St. Louis Public Schools' enrollment has disappeared over the past five decades, fueling fears that the situation may worsen as families continue moving to the suburbs.
Despite these challenges, community members, including teachers and alumni, remain hopeful. Initiatives aimed at expanding arts programs and honoring the school's history are being implemented to combat the negative trends.
A face of this hope is Dakota Scott, a recent graduate of Sumner, who found her passion at the school, transforming from a struggling student to a thriving university attendee.
Although the future of Sumner remains uncertain, the community's dedication signifies a collective desire to preserve their cultural institutions and the importance they hold within the fabric of their community.
