Important Update on Restructuring for the 2027-28 School Year

Dear Ferguson-Florissant Families and Community,

During the April 22 board meeting, an important step forward was taken as the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education approved a long-term restructuring plan to better support our students, staff, and families. 

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, the District will transition to a K–5 elementary, 6–8 middle, and 9–12 high school model, reducing the number of school transitions students experience from five to three over the course of their K–12 journey.

It is important to emphasize that no changes will take place during the 2026–2027 school year. This timeline allows us to plan thoughtfully for a smooth transition for all students and families.

What This Means for Our Schools

As part of this restructuring, several building changes will take place for the 2027–2028 school year:

• Central Primary will close

• Cool Valley, Commons Lane, Combs, Duchesne, Holman, Parker Road, Walnut Grove, Halls Ferry, Lee-Hamilton, and Robinwood will serve as K–5 elementary schools

• Johnson-Wabash will transition from a 6th Grade Center to a K–5 elementary school

• Berkeley, Cross Keys, and Ferguson Middle will transition to 6–8 middle schools

• STEAM Middle will remain a 6–8 middle school

• Wedgwood will become a K–8 traditional school

• Griffith will transition to the Restoration & Wellness location

• Bermuda will serve as an Early Childhood Center site, and a portion of the Administration Center will serve as a second Early Childhood Center site

• All high schools (McCluer, McCluer North, and STEAM High) will remain 9–12

Why This Change Is Needed

At the end of the day, this is about making schools more stable for our students. Right now, there are simply too many transitions, and we know that’s not always good for kids. Research, including work with Washington University in St. Louis, shows that frequent transitions can disrupt learning, increase absences, and impact long-term student outcomes.

Also, the District continues to experience declining enrollment and uneven building utilization. Some schools are significantly under capacity, while others are more fully utilized. The current structure spreads students across too many buildings, creating inefficiencies in staffing, transportation, and operations.

By moving to a K–5 model, we are able to:

• Better balance enrollment across schools

• Increase building use where space is currently underused

• Reduce transportation costs

• Align staffing more effectively

• Maximize resources directly supporting student learning

This restructuring is projected to improve efficiency and result in cost savings over time, including a 15% reduction or $1.5 million in savings in transportation costs, while maintaining strong educational programming for students.

Looking Ahead

This is an important step forward, but it is not the final step. Over the next year, the District will focus on thoughtful planning and bring the community along the way, including:

• Developing detailed transition and staffing plans

• Finalizing attendance areas and student assignments

• Preparing school buildings for their new grade levels

• Providing transition events for students and families 

• Community engagement events and updates

Our goal is to make this transition as smooth and supportive as possible for every student, staff member, and families.

We understand that changes like this can raise questions, and we will keep you updated consistently throughout the process. The full report shared during last night’s presentation can be found here, in Simbli.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in Ferguson-Florissant School District.