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[edit] Public education
The 168-year-old St. Louis Public School District controls the 92 schools in the school public system. With over 38,000 students, the district is the largest in the state of Missouri and the 108th largest in the nation. Pending the resolution of several lawsuits and / or court cases, the ultimate authority over the schools is still uncertain. The Board of Education consists of 7 members elected by the citizens of St. Louis. However, following elections in 2006, the Missouri Board of Education decided to revoke the district's accreditation. This allowed the mayor, president of the Board of Aldermen, and the governor to appoint members to a 3 person Special Advisory Board, (SAB). The SAB argues that it has sole authority over the SLPS. However, the elected board has filed suit against the decision. The outcome has yet to be decided, with Cole County Judge Richard Callahan to make the decision. Dr. Diana Bourisaw currently serves as the superintendent. The district is currently aggressively pushing ahead with its 2011 initiative, which calls for improved graduation rates, higher test scores, and stronger student attendance.
[edit] Colleges and universities
The St. Louis metropolitan region contains a vibrant and energetic college student population. With almost 10% of its population enrolled in an institution of higher education, St. Louis has a plethora of institutions of higher learning. The oldest university west of the Mississippi River, Saint Louis University, was founded there in 1818. The St. Louis metropolitan area is also home to at least 25 other institutions of higher learning:
