The St. Louis Board of Education has selected Dr. Keisha Scarlett as the new superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools.
Scarlett comes to St. Louis from Seattle where she has been the assistant superintendent of academics of Seattle Public Schools since 2021. She'll officially start her duties on Jul 1, 2023.
"This community is resilient and has made important progress. Together, we will continue moving forward, until all students in St. Louis are safe, cared for, and prepared with an education to take them wherever they want to go," Scarlett said in a statement. "A St. Louis Public Schools education will be a 'gateway to unlimited possibility.'"
Scarlett was one of three finalists that came out of a national search led by the board of education. When she was assistant superintendent at SPS, she created a plan to increase literacy among young African American boys and students who were furthest from educational justice. She also oversaw initiatives that made sure students were prepared for college, career and community life once they graduated.
Scarlett joined KMOX's Total Information AM to talk about the new gig. She said she found St. Louis to be a welcoming place, and that she's excited to bring her family to the city. She also said Seattle has a lot of similarities to St. Louis in its school system.
"Really strong teachers who are committed, great school leaders," she said. However, the Seattle Public School system has around 50,000 students. "And so, as we think about sort of what I'm able to build from that, I just say that every single opportunity that I've had to lead and Seattle Public Schools has prepared me to come and be the superintendent of St. Louis public schools."
During her first 100 days, Dr. Scarlett hopes to engage with students and families to gather data and experiences to see how she can improve things like math and reading proficiency.
Asked what her message to teachers in St. Louis is, she said, "Teachers are the number one driver for educational outcomes for students, they are absolutely vital. They are vital. They are essential workers in our, in our democracy for our students, and so that I value educators that value, their brilliance that they bring, I value the safety that they need in order to be able to do their role and the resources that they need as well."
"We are thrilled to announce such a talented, genuine and visionary educator will be the next superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools," Board of Education President Matt Davis said. "The Board's goal in conducting a nationwide search was to find a leader who will build on our successes but also be laser focused in addressing our challenges. Dr. Scarlett possesses the perfect mix of skill, knowledge, and experience while also caring deeply for students, families, teachers, and staff."
Scarlett's other accomplishments include getting 25% of eighth grade students to be two years ahead in math, and she was also selected as Washington state's middle-level principal of the year. In 2020, she was part of a group that provided President Biden's team with guidance for reopening schools during the pandemic.
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