VIDEO: Archibald: State Should Take Over

Board member Bob Archibald called tonight’s ouster of Superintendent Creg Williams “despicable” and “St. Louis at its worst.” He also told reporters that he thinks the state should come in to take control of St. Louis Public Schools.

Archibald was joined in his call for a state takeover by Mayor Francis Slay who tonight told television reporters that Williams was SLPS’ best chance for reform. The next best shot is a state takeover, said the mayor.

The mayor’s statement adds merit to rumors we reported on earlier this week that had Slay and board member Ron Jackson in contact with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requesting them to step in at the earliest opportunity.

The four board members that voted in favor of letting Williams go (Veronica O’Brien, Bill Purdy, Peter Downs, and Donna Jones) didn’t have much to say to the media tonight and offered no justifications for their actions.