Dr. Millicent Borishade was the Superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). She took on the permanent role in early 2025 after serving as the interim superintendent.
Known for her bold plans to reform the district, Borishade focused on improving student outcomes, fixing budgets, and addressing declining enrollment. However, her leadership quickly became controversial, leading to her firing in October 2025.
Why Was Millicent Borishade Fired?
On October 17, 2025, the St. Louis Board of Education voted in a closed meeting to fire Millicent Borishade from her position as superintendent. The board said the decision was made “without cause,” meaning she did not break any rules or laws but that the board simply decided to make a change in leadership.
Still, several issues seem to have led to her removal.
Vote of No Confidence
Earlier in October, the St. Louis Teachers and Support Staff Union (AFT Local 420) announced a vote of no confidence against Borishade.
Over 2,000 members expressed “deep concerns” about her leadership style, communication issues, and how she handled district planning.
This was a major turning point that reportedly pushed the board to act.
School Closure Plan
Borishade had proposed a controversial plan to close 37 out of 68 schools in the district due to declining enrollment and budget problems.
This plan caused backlash from teachers, parents, and community members who feared it would hurt students and neighborhoods.
Many felt she didn’t listen to public feedback before making decisions – which added more pressure on the board.
Community Concerns and Tension
According to reports, the school board said the firing was due to growing community concerns and the need to restore public trust.
There wasn’t a single scandal or major incident, but rather a build-up of disagreements and dissatisfaction with her leadership.
What Happens Next for SLPS?
After Borishade’s removal, Dr. Myra Berry was appointed as the interim superintendent while the board begins a national search for a new leader.
The board says it plans to hire a permanent superintendent by mid-2026 to bring stability back to the district.
However, some community members worry this will be yet another leadership change in a district that has already seen several superintendents in recent years.
What Does “Fired Without Cause” Mean?
The phrase fired without cause means Borishade did not commit any specific wrongdoing or policy violation.
Instead, the board decided it wanted new leadership and direction, and her contract allowed them to make that change without giving a specific reason.
Conclusion
The news of Millicent Borishade fired has sparked debate across St. Louis.
While some people support the decision, others believe she was trying to make difficult changes in a struggling school system.
Whatever the case, her firing shows the challenges that urban school districts face – including declining enrollment, financial stress, and community disagreements.
