ST. LOUIS — Student safety is top of mind for Saint Louis Public Schools, as the district unveiled its plan to get kids to school safely.
Transportation was an ongoing issue for the district last school year. That's why it was a main topic of discussion at Tuesday night's board meeting.
The St. Louis Public School Board discussed using district police officers, volunteers and staff to patrol, what officials called, "areas of concern."
This is specifically for high school students, who could be utilizing Metro Buses and the Metrolink to get to and from school.
That part of the transportation plan was announced a few weeks ago, when SLPS officials explained the need for eliminating dozens of bus routes.
Other safety measures the district is looking to implement for the upcoming school year would include GPS tracking on buses and custom vests so staff and volunteers helping in those "areas of concern" are clearly identified.
The district is also going to make instructional videos teaching kids how to use the public transportation.
During Tuesday night's meeting, School Board President Antionette Cousins asked about the need for volunteers and how the clock was ticking.
"I know myself, as well as all of the other board members, are extremely concerned and the families are extremely concerned about the safety of these routes and where our children are going to be walking and getting on and off the bus. There is a cry for help in regard to volunteers," she said.
There will be a transportation solution meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at Vashon High School.
School board officials also discussed a potential tax levy hike for the upcoming school year. The reason for the hike is because of the raises SLPS announced this past spring.
The district gave teachers a 17% pay increase over the next three years, while special education teachers received a 22% increase over three years.
Right now, according to the school officials, the tax rate is $4.05 per $100 of assessed property. If increased, the tax rate would be capped at $4.50 per $100 of assessed property.
According to district officials, SLPS voluntarily lowered the rate in 2022 due to a large influx of federal dollars, but the district didn't need as much from city taxpayers, so it wasn't collected. This proposed move, if adopted, would return the district to the unreduced rate since those federal dollars aren't available anymore.
District officials added this is not a tax increase.
According to discussions in the school board meeting, this increase would give the district an extra $6 million.