How Richmond Heights Became A Regional Destination for Education

by NRC on June 19, 2020

-By Julia Steege-Reimann-

Richmond Heights, Missouri transforms its school district from having declining enrollment to winning numerous awards.

A decade ago, Richmond Heights, Missouri’s school district enrollment was declining, mirroring trends of neighboring communities in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

However, within the past decade, Richmond Heights has worked hard to become the community where families want to send their kids to school. School enrollment has been growing annually in Richmond Heights, even as many neighboring districts continue to struggle.

“Richmond Heights knows that an investment in education is an investment in the entire community,” said Damema Mann, Director of National Engagement for Polco/ National Research Center (NRC).

Data shows that Richmond Heights’ efforts are paying off. The City regularly conducts The National Community Survey (The NCS) to gather feedback from community members.

Between 2015 to 2018, the City improved on almost all aspects of education and enrichment.

For its efforts to make Richmond Heights a regional destination for public education, the city recently won a 2019 Voice of the People award for transformation in Education and Enrichment. This is the only national award that honors local governments based on feedback from residents. The award is presented by Polco/ National Research Center (NRC) and the International City & County Management Association (ICMA). This award acknowledges local governments that have shown the most improvement on NCS ratings and that take the best actions on behalf of their communities.

K-12 Education

Between 2015 and 2018, the percent of respondents rating K-12 education positively on the NCS rose by 15 percent.

Residents passed a $.55 operating tax levy increase in 2016, contributing to better quality education.

In addition, the City is very involved in the schools through programming such as Police 9-1-1 awareness programs, Fire Prevention Week talks, Back to School welcome parties, and fundraisers for Weekend on Wheels, a program which provides meals to students in need.

This support, along with strong district leadership, has led all four of the public school districts within the Richmond Heights area to be ranked in the top 15 in the St. Louis area. Additionally, three are ranked in the top 15 in Missouri, according to Niche ratings.

And, the City’s largest school district, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, has received awards for technology, educational excellence, leadership, environmental sustainability education, and more.

Library and Recreation Center

Not only does the City invest heavily in K-12 education, it also prioritizes enrichment through library programs and recreation.

Key to this focus was the merger of the Library and Recreation Center into one facility in 2000. This move paved the way for a strong collaboration between the two departments.

The Community Center that houses the Recreation Department and Library provides programming for Richmond Heights and two neighboring cities, Maplewood and Brentwood.

Between the three cities, there are two fitness centers, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, 14 parks, an outdoor nature classroom, ice rink, roller rink, skateboard park, three dog parks, two community gardens, two sand volleyball courts, veteran memorials, and more.

Together the City offers sports programs, music lessons, cooking classes, arts and crafts, fitness facilities, and numerous special events to further enrich residents' lives.

The City provides free local senior and disabled transportation services. It also hosts an annual art show and numerous free live music programming throughout the year.

The library also hosts many cultural and educational events. All programs are free.

According to the library website, more than 50 percent of Richmond Heights' residents are active library card holders. Additionally, over the last five years, circulation has increased more than 150 percent. And, between 2015 and 2018 the percent of respondents answering positively related to cultural/arts/music opportunities on the NCS rose by 17 percent.

Looking Towards the Future

As the city looks to the future, City leaders are focused on continued improvements.

“We are eager to continue to open up the world around us for the benefit of our residents, young and old, through fun, educational, cultural, social, and fitness activities,” said Pam Hylton, Assistant City Manager.

The City is currently almost done renovating the library and community center based on resident feedback. Leaders also attend conferences and collaborate with surrounding communities to get ideas for how to improve.

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