ST. LOUIS — St. Louis students head back to school in just a few weeks and things in the district are uncertain.
Tuesday afternoon, the teachers' union held a press conference to address the issues.
The American Federation of Teachers Local 420 said they are doing what they can to support their members and Saint Louis Public Schools as they keep their eyes on a new school year.
“I have to be clear that education, the safety of St. Louis school children are our number one priority, that comes first for us. We are professionals who will keep our focus on our mission,” AFT Local 420 Spokesperson Byron Clemens said.
The financial state of the district has been discussed publicly, going from a $17 million surplus and now could run a $35 million deficit.
Clemens said they are not concerned about the district's financial situation and reassures teachers their contracts and salaries have not been affected.
“We don't concur that there's a budget deficit at this time, there's a rainy day fund with a significant amount of money in it,” Clemens said.
Getting kids to and from school is another concern. The previous transportation company ended their contract early and an emergency plan was put in place.
On Monday, the school board president said they're doing their best to make sure students are in class on day one.
“We're dealing with our 18 vendors that we're working with. We have a plan in place. The board has voted and approved that plan. So we're working and we need all hands on deck. We have done some changing in regards to our bell time,” SLPS Board of Education President Toni Cousins said.
Clemens said while they're not in charge of transportation, they're doing what they can to help outside of school hours.
“Right now, we're in negotiations with the district for before and aftercare. That has been an issue that we've looked at. And we look forward to trying to figure that out,” Clemens said.
When it comes to matters involving Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett, who was recently placed on a temporary leave of absence, the union supports the investigation.
“We have some concerns about what may or may not have happened with spending on the 10 to 20 people that Dr. Scarlett brought in, but that's not in our purview right now. It's only 20 days to the opening of school. And we have to prepare for that,” Clemens said.
He added that for the 11th year in a row, they have brought back their mentor and coaching program for new teachers and signed on 50 new members this week.