ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis Public Schools District is racing for the upcoming school year with a focus on transportation while simultaneously grappling with a $35 million deficit.

With over 6,400 students set to use school buses and another 6,200 relying on other transportation, district implemented a multi-faceted strategy. This includes the adoption of public transportation for over 1,500 students.

In a bid to streamline services, SLPS recently brought their call center operations in-house, establishing a critical transportation response task force, which is responsible for making real-time adjustments as more buses become available.

“Everyone is in this together as we get ourselves ready for the start of school. Will it look ugly? Yes…we got lemons, we’re making lemonade,” Chief of Transportation Operations Square Watson said.

The district has also partnered with local organizations and community members for an “Adopt a Stop” program, where volunteers will monitor bus stops and ensure student safety. There are 20 volunteers as of Tuesday, but board members are concerned when there are 47 different stops.

One attendee said off-camera that most of the audience present at the meeting were staff who were asked to be there early. SLPS prohibited the public from entering the room at 6:15 p.m. when the meeting began at 6:30 p.m.

On the financial side, the district’s budget shows a steep increase in expenditures, primarily due to transportation costs, now totaling $11 million. While SLPS maintains a robust fund balance, the board is aware for the need to make hard decisions as they navigate deficit spending and guide the district to better utilizing resources.

Despite community members wanting Board President Tony Cousins to resign due to what they say is mismanagement, she had a very clear message to everyone.

“I will not step down for this position or this board,” she said.

As the first day of school nears, SLPS is urging parents to ensure contact information is up-to-date.