Attendees at our spring Soup’s On! event were treated to lunch with the Leadership Class from North High. Twice each year Superintendent Dr. Henry St. Pierre welcomes residents ages 55-and-older to lunch and a learning opportunity. It helps the district connect and it helps residents keep up with what’s happening in Fort Zumwalt School District. At the spring event, guests shared lunch with high school students, getting to know each other with the help of a few conversation starters.
Once students found a seat by pairing up high school interests (scholars, athletes, artists, etc.) they answered the classic St. Louis question, with a little twist:
“WHEN did you go to high school?”
You could see the learning going on as they compared the 1970s with the 2020s, but you couldn’t hear too much over the conversation and laughter!
Together students and guests shared the lively conversation with Dr. St. Pierre and Chief Financial Officer Brian Whittle. They then learned more about the district’s budget, specifically the three primary sources of operating revenue: federal, state and local dollars. Operating revenue is used to pay for the day-to-day operations of the district (salaries, benefits, utilities, supplies, etc.)
Local funds, such as revenue from real estate taxes and personal property taxes, are paid by local residents and businesses to local agencies.
Real and personal property taxes account for 48.5 percent of FZSD operating revenue.
State funds must be allocated fully when the state budget is written, then distributed fully during the budget year. Funds might not be distributed as allocated if the state needs to balance its budget as the law requires.
Federal funds are designated for specific expenditures or sometimes as one-time distributions. They often are distributed as reimbursements. Federal funds can be subject to shutdowns and withholds.
Response to the event was so positive from both groups that we’re hoping to do it again the next time we see each other.
Soup’s On!
Lunch and learning with the Superintendent
12 p.m., Oct. 22, 2026
12 p.m., March 31, 2027
If you’d like to join us, and are a resident ages 55-and-older, email Laura Wagner, Director of Communications, to reserve your seat now or call District Office at 636-240-2072.
