The recent controversy surrounding the St. Louis Public Schools has brought to light the tumultuous tenure of acting superintendent Millicent Borishade. Borishade, who previously served as chief academic officer in the Tukwila School District near Seattle, faced accusations of demeaning and insulting staff, violating student privacy, and neglecting special education needs. These allegations led to a vote of no confidence from the Tukwila Education Association, ultimately resulting in her resignation before joining her friend Keisha Scarlett at SLPS in July 2023.
Tukwila, a district with a high percentage of low-income and marginalized students, was shaken by Borishade’s leadership style. Reports emerged of her making derogatory remarks about families from Somalia and denying essential resources to homeless students. These troubling incidents mirrored accounts from SLPS staff members who described similar behavior from Borishade. Principals and teachers spoke out anonymously, citing instances of belittlement and a lack of value for collaboration under her leadership.
Despite the mounting criticism, George Sells, a spokesman for SLPS, defended Borishade as a „warm demander of excellence“ and a staunch advocate for children. The St. Louis Board of Education made the controversial decision to promote Borishade to the position of acting superintendent following the removal of Keisha Scarlett pending an investigation into the district’s hiring and spending practices.
The circumstances surrounding Borishade’s appointment raised eyebrows, as she lacked the necessary superintendent’s certificate in Missouri for full state accreditation. The board members who supported her promotion cited her existing role in overseeing daily operations within the district as a key factor. However, questions lingered about the transparency and fairness of the hiring process, with several administrators hired based on personal connections rather than through standard procedures.
The situation further escalated with the appointment of Allison Deno as the new chief of schools, who also faced a vote of no confidence from Tukwila teachers for similar reasons. Deno’s ties to Borishade through a consulting group raised concerns about a pattern of questionable hiring practices within SLPS. The influx of Seattle-area hires, including Deno’s husband Tim Schultz, and other administrators with connections to Scarlett’s previous role in Seattle Public Schools, added to the controversy.
As the spotlight intensified on SLPS, several key personnel, including Manal Al-ansi, Nikka Lemons, Fatimata Sow, Thierno Barro, and Zithri Saleem, departed from their roles amidst the growing scrutiny. The upheaval within the district underscored the need for accountability, transparency, and a commitment to serving the best interests of students and staff.
In the midst of these challenges, Superintendent Keisha Scarlett made headlines for securing a new union contract for teachers in SLPS, including substantial raises over three years. The announcement, made at a press conference in March 2024, aimed to address some of the concerns raised within the district and foster a more positive working environment for educators.
The unfolding saga at St. Louis Public Schools serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, and the impact of hiring decisions on the overall well-being of a school community. As stakeholders continue to navigate these turbulent waters, the focus remains on restoring trust, promoting inclusivity, and prioritizing the needs of students above all else.