History

The Mehlville School District began its educational journey in 1930 with the graduation of two students from Mehlville High School. Under the apt direction of its first two superintendents, Emil C. Bernard and Kermit O. Bierbaum (1935-1976), the district began its growth to the current prominent educational status it now enjoys and maintains. Successive superintendents have strived to maintain the extensive educational opportunities afforded to students.

The district first consisted of smaller educational entities; however, on Oct. 27, 1951, the citizens of the Oakville, Mehlville, Point and Washington areas voted to consolidate their schools into one reorganized high school district. The new district became the Mehlville R-9 District. Years later, the R-9 was dropped, and it became known as the Mehlville School District.

After experiencing rapid growth in enrollment at the elementary and secondary levels, bus transportation was introduced into the area in 1951 and the need for educational space was apparent. Bernard and Bierbaum Elementary Schools were built to accommodate this early growth in student population.

On May 11, 1964, the Mehlville School District voted to annex the Jefferson Barracks School District. In 1964, ground was broken for a new elementary school. The new school was named in honor of Henry Trautwein. In 1956, the district received the official title to 45 acres formerly part of the Veterans Administration Hospital Reservation at Jefferson Barracks; the land is now home to Beasley Elementary School. Wohlwend Elementary School opened in 1969.

Oakville High School offered its first secondary education courses in September 1970. Oakville High School was a ninth-grade center housed at the Jefferson Barracks Building until it moved into its present building.

The Mehlville School District currently consists of one early childhood center, 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools, along with additional alternative learning programs. The Mehlville School District's progress can be measured not only in growth but also by the improvements in its educational programs. The district is accredited by the State Board of Education.