“Every one of those children were brought into this world with unlimited potential and our responsibility as adults and communities is making sure kids can reach their full potential.”

Robbyn Wahby

Welcome to Navigate STL Schools, a podcast.  

Today’s guest is Robbyn Wahby, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, where she oversees charter schools and makes sure they are performing according to state standards. Robbyn has also served as a school board member and an elected member of the St. Louis Board of Education. In this episode, Robbyn sits down with Staci to discuss the benefits of charter schools, how they operate and advises parents on how to go about choosing their child’s school in St. Louis. 

They discuss:

• Robbyn’s K-12 Education Experience
  • Robbyn grew up in St. Louis and graduated from the same high school her dad did. 
  • She also raised her children in the city and both were graduates of the St. Louis Public Schools.
  • In addition to attending school in the city, Robbyn had the unique experience of serving on the school board. 
• Robbyn’s Work and Sources of Inspiration 
  • The children and their future inspire her.
  • Robbyn’s work consists of overseeing the charter schools in her portfolio, making sure the taxpayers are represented, and that the schools are following state statutes.
  • One thing a lot of people don’t know is that, first and foremost, charter schools are nonprofits. 
  • The state requires that they operate as nonprofits, including being led by a board of directors. 
  • Charter schools enter into a performance contract with Robbyn, and she collects evidence to make sure they’re in compliance. If they’re not, the charter schools don’t get renewed and they don’t stay open. The idea behind this is to avoid having failing schools. 
• Unexpected Encounters 
  • People don’t believe that all parents want great things for their kids.
  • The big problem is that too many children in our city don’t have enough quality options where they live.
• What’s the greatest challenge facing education in St. Louis?
  • We have people who want to put adults’ interests first, instead of children first.
  • People think we have too many schools. Robbyn doesn’t believe we have enough quality schools.
• What gives you hope for the future of education in St. Louis?
  • Every time Robbyn walks into a school and sees the children, she’s hopeful. There is nothing more hopeful than thinking about their future.
• What do you think are the top things parents should be considering as they’re trying to decide what’s best for their children’s education?
  • Consider your child; what are their likes and dislikes? 
  • The best way to understand the school options in St. Louis is to visit.
  • When you visit a school, think about the following:
    • Is this a safe place for my child, physically and emotionally? 
    • Are the adults in this building energized, enthusiastic, caring?
    • Are you greeted with openness?
• What do you think it would mean for public education K-12 in St. Louis to be reformed? What can schools be doing differently?
  • We have to keep our eye on the children.
  • We need more people engaged in this work, including school board members. Consider getting involved. 
• What do you personally think is at the heart of the divide between charter schools being good for a community or being detrimental to the public school district?
  • It’s about money and adult interests.
  • In St. Louis, there are a lot of kids whose needs aren’t being met every day; we have to be the voice for these children.
  • Parents know their children best. If they have an opportunity to find the very best school, parents are satisfied, and children excel.
  • People don’t feel like they need to leave their communities to find a better school. Or spend resources they don’t have to pay for school.
• When you’re thinking of excellence, what are the unique features of charter schools that are speaking to families in the region?
  • They’re innovative.
  • Everyone who is in that building is there by choice, from the students to the teachers. All people come to the school wanting the same thing, and that’s a hallmark of what makes charter schools unique. 
• What are two pieces of advice you would want parents to consider as they are choosing schools?
  • The best consumer is one who goes to the place to visit. Visit the schools. Pick up the phone and call the school; see how you’re treated.  
  • After you choose a school, be involved in your child’s schools. So many people want you to be there. 
  • Parents in some charter schools are encouraged to be on the board.
• What are some things we want to help parents consider when it comes to their kid’s teachers?
  • All of us can think back about that person who significantly impacted us.
  • Thank your kids’ teachers. It’s a difficult time right now, and they’re doing the best they can.
  • Have a relationship with your kids’ teachers. They want the very best. Make sure they know you’re available. Welcome those calls because we’re all on the same team at the end of the day.

Resources:

• Navigate STL Schools Website