Attorney General's News Release

Sept. 10, 1997

Nixon proposes $304 million plan for St. Louis public schools

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon today unveiled a $304 million plan to end busing and to help rebuild the St. Louis City schools. The plan allocates $100 million in state money to help finance construction of a new Vashon High School and to assist the city in building 13 additional new schools, as well as finance renovation projects in more than 70 of the district's 104 public schools. Nixon said the plan he is proposing includes construction and renovation needs set by the independent experts and the school board and provides 50 percent state funding for every item on the district's list that is based on structural or space-related needs.

Some of the renovation projects outlined on Nixon's list include funding for these schools:

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• Baden Elementary, $362,125
• Herzog Elementary, $253,625
• Mark Twain Elementary, $262,125
• Peabody Elementary, $258,125
• Walbridge Elementary, $246,125
• L'Ouverture Middle, $259,625
• Northwest Middle, $377,625

In addition, the plan will provide $102 million to continue the magnet programs and $102 million to end the current busing program in six years.

Nixon has requested a meeting with the St. Louis School Board to formally present a specific settlement offer to end the 25-year-old lawsuit.

"It is important for the public to know what the options are," Nixon said. "We will put a substantial offer on the table which will provide an unprecedented opportunity for this city to invest in its schools and its future. From the meetings and discussions I have had with parents, city leaders and citizens, I believe there is a consensus developing that this approach best serves the children and parents of the school district and the city of St. Louis. I believe it is time to come forward with the specifics so that a public debate can take place."

Nixon said the public debate is at a standstill because of lack of information. "Those who support the continued busing program must be made aware that they are giving up the opportunity to make a substantial long-term investment in the city and its schools," Nixon said. "This investment will help the city meet long-term integration goals by providing an opportunity to revitalize the city neighborhoods."

The new proposed allocation of $102 million for the Voluntary Interdistrict Transportation Program will allow elementary students currently in the program to continue through sixth grade and those in higher grades to continue through 12th grade. This offer is an increase of three years from Nixon's original transition plan.

"If the district chooses to expedite the phase-out of busing and use the savings to provide additional investments in the St. Louis schools, that is their choice," Nixon said.

Nixon stressed that the state's new plan is a suggestion to the school district based on the district's own list of capital needs and on comment and reaction from city leaders and others following the court filings and original transition plan.

The original transition plan was filed with the court in 1996 when Nixon filed for unitary status, requesting the court to release the state from additional court-ordered desegregation expenditures. A three-week trial was held in 1996, after which U.S. District Court Judge George Gunn placed the state, school district and other plaintiffs in mediation. The negotiation process, now in its 17th month, is being led by the court-appointed mediator, Dr. William Danforth.

"The process is in real need of community input," Nixon said. "This community must decide how much of the remaining money they want to send to the county schools and how much they want to invest in the city schools. Prompt public discussion and action is needed."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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