St. Louis to close 6 schools, eliminate 490 jobs

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis school district plans to shut down six schools and eliminate nearly 500 jobs to reduce a $58 million budget deficit.

Superintendent Kelvin Adams announced the proposed cuts Thursday night at a meeting of the Special Administrative Board. The three-member panel has overseen city schools since a 2007 state takeover and must still approve the plan.

Adams' plan would affect 226 teachers, 130 office workers, 54 administrators and central office workers and 80 substitute teachers. Adams said he hopes to avoid layoffs through early retirement and attrition.

The schools slated for closing include one high school, one middle school, two alternative education schools, an after-school program and a special education site.