The information below includes highlights from the Ladue Schools Board of Education Business Meeting on April 9, 2025–this summary is an unofficial record. The official minutes of each Board meeting can be found on the district website under About Us/School Board/Diligent Community. Upon request, meeting minutes are also available for viewing at the Administrative Center following Board approval (typically two weeks after the meeting).

Video recording of the April 9 Business Meeting

Board President Remarks

• Recognized Dr. Laila Crabtree's and her staff's hard work in putting together the final Professional Development for the 2024-25 school year.
• Wished Jeff Kopolow well and thanked him for his commitment to Ladue Schools and the Board of Education over the last 15 years. 
• With six and a half weeks of school remaining, there are lots of events coming up in a short period of time. Rams Around the World, on April 23, is one of many, and like our Passport Nights in our elementary schools, it highlights the diversity in our district. 
• End-of-the-year testing can be stressful for students and teachers alike, so keep them in mind as we close in on the end of the year. 

Superintendent Remarks

• Thank you to Dr. Derrick Wallace and the Student & Community Services team for their hard work in pulling off a successful Parent University night here at the high school despite some challenges with the weather. 
• Congratulations to Dr. Julie Helm and the HR team, as well as to Kimberly McKenzie and the Communications team for putting together the outstanding Employee Recognition Night. 
• More items are getting checked off the calendar. Congratulations to Ladue Horton Watkins High School for celebrating a safe and fun prom night on Saturday night. 
• Continuing to work closely with Dr. Geoff Macy to monitor state legislation. We had a good discussion at Parent University with parents about the legislative issues facing Ladue Schools and all public education. With that, we are excited to announce a Special Board Legislative Work Session on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 6–8 p.m., to review legislative matters impacting Ladue Schools and public education more broadly.
• One final thank you to Jeff Kopolow for his extensive service to the district and our students.

Below is an overview of action and information items from the agenda for the April 9, 2025, Board of Education business meeting. To view the agenda, updates, and presentations, visit the district’s website: Ladue Schools Diligent Community page. 

 

ACTION ITEMS

Administration of the Oath of Office 

Amy Hammerman and Robert Snidman were sworn in as members of the Ladue Schools Board of Education.

School Board Reorganization - election of Officers

The Board voted for Marissa Rosen to serve as President, Jennifer Growe Soshnik as Vice President, Peter Gariepy as Secretary, and Kisha Lee as Treasurer

Readoption of Policy BBFA

The Board approved the readoption of Board Policy BBFA. 

S. M. Wilson Pay Application

The Board approved the latest pay application from S. M. Wilson.

 

INFORMATION ITEMS

Summer Programming

Dr. Derrick Wallace provided an update on Ladue Schools Summer Programming options. 

Ladue Fifth Grade Center Presentation 

Dr. Patricia Wilson and her team presented on the 2024-25 Ladue Fifth Grade Center school year, improvements, building and district goals, student achievement highlights, and next steps.

Ladue Middle School Presentation

Dr. Angela Thompson and her team provided an update on the 2024-25 Ladue Middle School school year, district and school goals, and highlighting student achievements and educational strategies.

Construction Bids for the West Campus Renovation and High School Parking Lot

Dr. Geoff Macy presented on Construction Bids for the West Campus Renovation and High School Parking Lot.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next Board of Education will be a Special Board Legislative Work Session on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 6–8 p.m. All information regarding that meeting will be posted on the homepage of the Ladue Schools Diligent Community page.