St. Louis Public Schools will receive a report early next year that could influence crucial aspects of the district’s operations for the next decade and beyond. It also is guaranteed to generate controversy.

At issue is a “comprehensive facilities review” being conducted by MGT of America, Inc. of Olympia, Wash., at the behest of the district’s Special Administrative Board. MGT’s contract requires it to review the district’s buildings and facilities. Many school buildings are operating at just a fraction of their capacity, adding huge maintenance and operating costs at a time when the district is trying to manage difficult financial challenges.

SAB members have suggested that they may need to close as many 20 of district’s 88 school buildings. That’s the stark reality of a decline in enrollment from 42,000 in 2001 to about 25,000 this year.

But there are other factors: Many schools serve as important social anchors for their neighborhoods, and many of the buildings are significant architectural landmarks. Closing any school, in other words, is no small thing, and closing as many as 20 is a daunting task.

MGT, working with local architects, has been assessing each building’s state of repair, along with its safety, comfort and the suitability of its space for specific educational activities, including classroom use of technology. The review includes estimates of district enrollment for the next 10 years and has a tentative deadline of Jan. 31.

The MGT contract’s $625,000 price tag has raised some eyebrows. But given the controversy that has dogged the district and the intensity of emotions that will accompany the closing of any schools, an outside independent analysis makes sense. The quality of the final product will determine whether it was worth the price.

An important part of the process involves a series of public meetings through which parents, educators and community groups can participate. The meetings are scheduled for this week and next at 6 p.m. at various public schools across the city. Each session starts with participants establishing priorities for school facilities, and then breaking into smaller discussion groups to add greater detail to the broad priorities.

Everyone who has a stake in the St. Louis Public Schools’ success or failure has good reason to become involved.

The constellation of schools shapes a community’s landscape and influences its character. And just as the “broken window” has become a metaphor for community disorder and instability, a well-ordered school-house is a potent symbol of commitment to children’s future. The right kind of learning environment can nurture children and inspire teachers.

So far, public participation has been meager. Only 38 people showed up Wednesday at the kick-off session; about 50 attended the second one. The time to become involved is now.

The meeting
schedule:

Tonight
Northwest Academy of Law
5140 Riverview Boulevard

Tuesday
Soldan High School
918 North Union Boulevard

Wednesday
Roosevelt High School
3230 Hartford Street

Thursday
Beaumont High School
3836 Natural Bridge Avenue

Monday, Dec. 15
Central High School
3125 South Kingshighway

Tuesday, Dec. 16
Busch AAA Middle School
5910 Clifton Avenue

Wednesday, Dec. 17
Lyon-Blow Middle School
516 Loughborough Avenue

(All meetings begin at 6 p.m.)