President's Note: October 2025
By Peggy Hassler, President of the Mehlville Board of Education
On behalf of the Mehlville Board of Education, I am honored to welcome our students, families and staff to a new school year. Our buildings have been filled with energy, learning and connection. It is inspiring to see our schools thriving thanks to the dedication of our staff and the steadfast support of our community.
This fall brings several important initiatives for the district:
Proposition A
On the November ballot, voters will consider Proposition A, a measure that would allow Mehlville to continue receiving funds from a levy scheduled to sunset and redirect a portion of the debt service levy toward facility needs. If approved, these funds would provide reliable, ongoing support exclusively for roofs, HVAC systems, technology, buses and parking lots—without raising the current tax rate.
The original Prop A, passed in 2016, came at a critical time. Many roofs were in poor condition, and years of shrinking budgets had forced unsustainable deferred maintenance. With the community’s support, we were able to repair or replace roofs across the district and upgrade aging HVAC systems. These investments helped keep our buildings safe, dry and functional for students and staff.
Renewing Prop A would allow the district to continue the progress already made, maintain steady upkeep of essential facilities, and address problems before they become more expensive — ensuring schools remain safe and ready for learning for years to come.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Tax Rate
The Board recently approved the FY26 budget and annual tax rate. We remain committed to financial stability while continuing to invest in educational programs, staff support, and long-term operational needs. Mehlville continues to operate with one of the lowest tax rates in St. Louis County — 17th of 22 districts — and carries the lowest outstanding debt per student. These figures reflect the Board’s dedication to using taxpayer dollars wisely while supporting strong instruction and well-maintained schools.
Strategic Plan and Facilities Steering Committee
Our Strategic Plan continues to guide our work, focusing on student achievement, staff recruitment and retention, and community engagement. We value the input of families, staff and community partners as we draft the next strategic plan and thank you for your participation in the process.
As we move through this school year, the Board of Education remains dedicated to academic excellence, transparency and responsible stewardship. On behalf of the entire Board, I extend our gratitude for your trust and support and wish everyone a successful and rewarding school year.