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Parkway is financially stable, but we are heading toward a serious problem if nothing changes. The cost of running schools keeps rising, while the funding to run them is not keeping up. That means we are approaching a point where we will either need to identify additional funding or discuss deep cuts.

Several things are happening at once. The cost of utilities, transportation, supplies, curriculum, health care, and other basics continue to rise. At the same time, Parkway is collecting less local funding than it otherwise would because of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze. Parkway also receives only a limited amount of funding from the state, and that amount is set by the state — not by the district. Put simply, costs are going up, but the funding available to cover them is not keeping up.

The Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze limits the amount of property tax schools and other local government entities can collect from qualifying seniors, even when property values rise. It’s reducing revenue for school districts throughout St. Louis County and is one of the reasons why our revenue will not keep pace with expenses.  We respect and value our senior residents for the support they’ve long provided Parkway, and understand the county’s intent is to provide them with relief.

No, many other school districts, as well as fire districts, city governments, and other public entities, are feeling financial pressure from rising expenses and funding reductions. Parkway’s situation is unique in some ways. For example, Parkway is more impacted by the Senior Tax Freeze than most districts.

Strong public schools benefit the whole community, not just families with children. They help protect property values, strengthen neighborhoods, attract new residents, support the local workforce, and contribute to the quality of life people in Parkway expect. Even residents without children have a stake in keeping schools strong and stable.

Enrollment is declining as it is in other St. Louis County school districts, due to lower birth rates. But the decline has been slow and not enough to significantly lower the cost of educating each student. Schools still need the people, services, and systems required to operate safely and support students well. The cost of meeting student needs is growing much faster than enrollment is declining.

Yes. Parkway has a facilities assessment underway to better understand maintenance needs, building conditions, capacity, and future priorities. That work includes a demographic study to project future enrollment, which will help Parkway plan responsibly, use space wisely, and continue identifying opportunities to operate more cost-effectively.