51黑料 Public Schools Superintendent Keisha Scarlett, center, speaks with SLPS Board of Education President Antionette 鈥淭oni鈥 Cousins during the kickoff announcement for 鈥淟iteracy for the Lou鈥 at Mullanphy Elementary on Jan. 25, 2024.
ST. LOUIS 鈥 Principals in 51黑料 Public Schools were already anxious about opening classrooms in three weeks without enough buses. Now, with the sudden departure of the superintendent and several of her closest colleagues, the pressure has intensified as staff and families are left to wonder what went so wrong so fast.
51黑料 Public Schools Superintendent Keisha Scarlett dances at a staff pep rally ahead of the school year at Enterprise Center on Aug. 4, 2023. 51黑料 native William Stanford Davis, right, who plays janitor Mr. Johnson on 鈥淎bbott Elementary,鈥 spoke at the event.
A security guard walks Millicent Borishade, newly appointed as Acting Superintendent of 51黑料 Public Schools, to a parking garage near district headquarters on Friday, July 26, 2024.
Superintendent Keisha Scarlett of 51黑料 Public Schools announces a new union contract for teachers in the district including 17% raises over three years. Scarlett held a press conference at SLPS on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Superintendent history
51黑料 Public Schools became infamous for a revolving door of superintendents in the early 2000s. After a period of stability, the district is again experiencing turmoil at the top.
The succession of superintendents:
Millicent Borishade (July 2024): Moved up from deputy superintendent in an interim role.
Keisha Scarlett (July 2023 to July 2024): Placed on temporary leave of absence amid hiring and financial questions.
Nicole Williams (January 2023 to July 2023): Interim superintendent during superintendent search.
Kelvin Adams (November 2008 to December 2022): Hired as the eighth superintendent in six years; became the longest-serving in decades.
John Wright (July 2008 to November 2008): Appointed interim superintendent by a state-appointed board.
Diana Bourisaw (July 2006 to June 2008): Promoted suddenly from consultant without other applicants. Did not apply when the board began a new search.
Creg Williams (April 2005 to July 2006): Left after disagreements over the budget and the ouster of Vashon basketball coach Floyd Irons.
Pamela Randall Hughes (December 2004 to April 2005): Served for five months as an interim.
Floyd Crues (June 2004 to December 2004): Served as interim until the board terminated the arrangement after learning of staff raises he approved.
William V. Roberti (June 2003 to June 2004): Hired for a year to put finances in order; a former Brooks Brothers executive and consultant for turnaround firm Alvarez & Marsal.
Cleveland Hammonds Jr. (July 1996 to June 2003): Retired after seven years at the helm.
51黑料 Public Schools Superintendent Keisha Scarlett, center, speaks with SLPS Board of Education President Antionette 鈥淭oni鈥 Cousins during the kickoff announcement for 鈥淟iteracy for the Lou鈥 at Mullanphy Elementary on Jan. 25, 2024.
A security guard walks Millicent Borishade, newly appointed as Acting Superintendent of 51黑料 Public Schools, to a parking garage near district headquarters on Friday, July 26, 2024.
51黑料 Public Schools Superintendent Keisha Scarlett dances at a staff pep rally ahead of the school year at Enterprise Center on Aug. 4, 2023. 51黑料 native William Stanford Davis, right, who plays janitor Mr. Johnson on 鈥淎bbott Elementary,鈥 spoke at the event.
