It would be an immense understatement to say that St. Louis Public Schools encountered profound challenges in the past few months.

Not only has the district faced struggles providing transportation for students, but the Board of Education recently fired its superintendent. And members of that seven-person board are also eying potential school closures and difficulties recruiting and retaining special education personnel.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Board of Education members Toni Cousins and Matt Davis provide an in-depth look at St. Louis Public Schools’ challenges — and why political leaders need to be engaged to help mitigate them.