ST. LOUIS — The superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools announced his retirement Tuesday after serving the region’s largest school district for nearly 14 years.

What You Need To Know

  • One of Adams' recent milestones include the passage of Prop S on Aug. 2

  • His other accomplishments were doubling the size of Pre-K and increasing graduation rates

  • Adams' last day will be Dec. 31

  • A nationwide search for a new superintendent will start in the next few weeks

Dr. Kelvin Adams’ last day will be Dec. 31, according to a press release. Some of Adams’ milestones include the recent passage of Prop S, a $160 million, zero tax rate change bond issue that will fund facilities acquisition, construction, improvements, renovations, and upgrades across all schools and facilities.

“We are extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly positive support for Prop S. It shows us that voters trust this Board and administration to continue to build momentum and accomplish great things for our students, teachers, and families,” Adams said in the press release.

“Having managed the elected Board’s return to power and the great energy they bring to the position, I am leaving the district in caring and capable hands.”

The district says his other accomplishments include doubling the size of Pre-K and increasing graduation rates.

“As I continue to serve the students, families, and staff of Saint Louis Public Schools over the next few months, I do so with a deep sense of pride and humility,” Adams said.

He added that although the district has come a long way since 2008, there is still much work to be done.

“This school year will be challenging as we focus on the safe return of students and staff amid community health challenges. We hope to restore a sense of normalcy while creating innovative learning opportunities for all students. I remain 100% committed to leading this important work,” Adams said.

A nationwide search for a new superintendent will start in the next few weeks, the press release states. The beginning stages will be discussions among board members and three student board members.

“This is truly the end of an era. Dr. Adams often says he is, ‘data driven,’ and he used that talent to analyze information and help change the trajectory of the district,” board president Matt Davis said in the press release.

Davis noted SLPS is fully accredited, and the district comprises some of the top schools in the state thanks to the leadership of Adams and his team.

“Each of our 62 schools have distinguished themselves through programs and services and our challenged schools continue to improve. The district is fiscally strong, and we have the second highest starting salary for teachers in the region. That’s quite a legacy by any standards,” Davis said.

 “Dr. Adams has given his all to this District for 14 years and we are extremely indebted to him.”