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Below is a summary of the June 24, 2026 e-Edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
School districts across the St. Louis region are facing increasing financial pressure as costs continue to rise while state and federal funding declines. As a result, many districts are considering tax increases and/or levy transfers to help maintain educational programs and services.
Several districts, including Ferguson-Florissant, Webster Groves, Parkway, Rockwood, Hazelwood, Francis Howell, and Riverview Gardens, are exploring different strategies to address budget shortfalls. While some districts have successfully passed tax measures, others continue to evaluate options after making significant budget reductions.
The article highlights that Riverview Gardens School District has already reduced its budget by approximately $14 million, yet still faces an estimated $9 million budget deficit. District leaders have indicated that additional budget cuts alone are not a sustainable solution and that difficult decisions may be necessary if funding challenges continue.
The financial strain is driven by several factors, including:
Rising costs for salaries, health insurance, utilities, transportation, and supplies.
The expiration of federal pandemic relief funding (ESSER) (and a reduction of approximately $2M to RGSD in federal funding)
Missouri's failure to fully fund the state education formula.
Potential reductions in local revenue due to changes in state tax policies.
Declining student enrollment in many districts.
District leaders throughout Missouri warn that without additional revenue or increased state investment, schools may need to reduce school programs, consolidate facilities, or seek additional support from local communities.
Key Takeaways
School funding is becoming a statewide challenge, not just an issue for one district.
Many St. Louis-area districts are considering tax increases to maintain educational services.
Riverview Gardens has already reduced spending by $14 million but continues to face a projected $9 million deficit.
Higher operating costs and lower state and federal funding are creating significant financial pressure.
Districts are reaching the point where cost-cutting alone is no longer enough to maintain current programs and services.
Community engagement will play an important role as districts consider long-term financial solutions.
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St. Louis-area school districts look at tax increases amid financial strain
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