SLPS Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett on temporary leave, deputy superintendent to take over
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Saint Louis Public Schools released an announcement by the Board of Education Friday that Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett is on a temporary leave of absence.
The Board of Education has approved Deputy Superintendent Dr. Millicent Borishade as the acting superintendent.
The board says it is fully confident that under Dr. Borishade’s leadership as acting superintendent, there will be no interruptions in the ongoing work and preparations for the school year.
The leadership shakeup so close to the start of a new school year has some parents of students in the district concerned.
“You know I’ve got a 6-year-old that’s in the city schools. And with the superintendent leaving that’s kind of a worry to me,” said parent, Ben Robinson.
The school district didn’t say why Scarlett was on a leave of absence. Borishade sent an email to parents Friday afternoon seeking to reasure them by saying, “I want you to know that our district, and most importantly your children, are in good hands.”
Scarlett was announced as the new superintendent in February of 2023, following the retirement of Kelvin Adams. Scarlett had served as chief academic officer for Seattle Public Schools. Her contract set Scarlett’s pay at $268,000.
Some parents are worried about what led to Scarlett leaving her position on a temporary leave of absence after just 1 year on the job.
“So something has gone terribly wrong,” said parent Lauren Preston.
Nearly 50 people applied for the superintendent position that eventually went to Scarlett.
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