After yet another unsuccessful attempt to engage with the newly elected school board members of District 189, community members decided to take matters into their own hands.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) partnered with the East St. Louis chapter of the NAACP, L.O.V.E., and East Side Aligned to host Seats Taken: Now Let’s Talk Solutions—a youth-led community forum organized by the young leaders of L.O.V.E. The goal was to formally introduce the new school board to the community and open a dialogue about the urgent issues facing local schools.

Not a single board member attended.

It’s important to acknowledge that board member Remy Dean had intended to be present but was impacted by the tornado that struck the Metro-East area on Friday afternoon. However, this absence continues a troubling pattern of non-engagement by the school board.

In March, prior to the election, our organizations organized another forum, hoping to speak with the candidates. After several planning meetings and extensive preparation, all of the candidates declined to participate.

Still, the community made the most of the moment. Turning disappointment into determination, attendees used the forum as an opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss solutions among themselves. You can watch the full forum HERE.

In a continued effort to be heard, our organizations attended the school board meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and presented our questions directly. While we did not receive immediate answers, the board stated they would follow up with responses.

Our schools deserve transparency, accountability, and active engagement from their elected leaders. If you’re a parent, student, educator, or community member in District 189, your voice matters now more than ever.

Take action today:

• Watch and share the full Seats Taken forum: https://youtu.be/37YgOYgNw_I

• Attend a school board meeting and speak during public comment

• Email or call your school board representatives and demand answers to the questions raised

• Join our coalition efforts with UCM, L.O.V.E., NAACP East St. Louis, and East Side Aligned

Together, we can ensure our students are seen, heard, and valued. Let’s keep the pressure on—because our children can’t afford silence.

Below are the current members of the East St. Louis District 189 School Board:

Timothy Lockett Sr., President – timothy.lockett@estl189.com

Willie B. Ray, Vice President – willie.ray@estl189.com

Walter L. Hood, Treasurer – walter.l.hood@estl189.com

Latoyia S. Mosley, Secretary – latoyia.mosley@estl189.com

Remy Dean, Member – remy.dean@estl189.com

Roy A. Mickens, Member – roy.mickens@estl189.com

Latonya C. Sayles, Member – latonya.sayles@estl189.com