ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis Public School students will return to class exactly two weeks from Monday, as the district deals with multiple issues, from leadership concerns to transportation troubles.
Local leaders are also calling for a state audit of the district.
In response, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will hold a media availability Aug. 8 at 1 p.m.
In a news advisory, his office said, "...To respond to the mounting requests to audit the St. Louis Public School District. (Scott) Fitzpatrick will provide a brief statement and be available to answer questions."
Following the announcement of Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett being placed on temporary leave, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones wrote a letter to State Auditor Fitzpatrick on Friday.
It said Saint Louis Public Schools began last school year with a surplus budget of $17 million. Now, it has a projected deficit of $35 million.
Jones' letter said the city would seek proposals for auditing services for the school board and asked Fitzpatrick's office to do a companion audit.
State Rep. Raychel Proudie told 5 On Your Side she stands with Jones in requesting an audit.
As an educator, she's concerned and believes an audit can look into finances and any illegal actions.
"It's so important to maintain the school system because it's the vitality of any community," Proudie said.
5 On Your Side learned the district was supposed to submit its 2023 internal audit by Dec. 31, 2023, to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, also known as DESE.
However, it missed its deadline.
In a SLPS Audit Committee Meeting held in early March, a recorded 17-minute meeting discussed the audit.
According to a private firm, it told SLPS it needed more documents, statistical reports and action plans in order to submit to DESE. It pointed the finger to a turnover rate of retirements where key individuals in finance left.
In the meeting, the chief financial officer of SLPS said the biggest loss was losing its accountant of 37 years due to retirement. They said it was hard to find replacements.
After asking DESE for an extension, the private firm recommended SLPS to submit by March 31. Until the audit was submitted, state funds were withheld.
The Chief Financial Officer said that money wasn't affecting operations.
The 2023-2024 internal audit was submitted on April 10, 2024.
All state funds being withheld were released to the district that same month. A total of $3,665,808 had been temporarily withheld from state aid to the district.
Chester Asher with Coalition of St. Louis Kids also wants the state to dig deeper through an audit.
"An audit will look at what waste and potential fraud there's been. This board failed to file the audit last year," he added.
As an educator, Asher wants more focus on increasing literacy in SLPS.
Asher said for a year, he's been asking for more eyes on the board too. Asher even created a petition.
"Just this last week, one of the other board members joined in that chorus and actually called for the (Board) President and Vice President to resign," Asher shared.
Asher is referring to a lengthy social media post over the weekend from school board member Emily Hubbard, calling on School Board President Toni Cousins and Vice President Matt Davis to step down.
Hubbard said, "Their illegitimate, reactionary, over-reaching 'leadership' of the district must end. The lies and coercion must end."
Proudie pushed back, saying, "Taking 'so long to be brave' is inexcusable."
5 On Your Side reached out to Saint Louis Public Schools for reactions to Hubbard calling out the board president and vice president.
Cousins responded to the question, urging a focus on getting students back in school in two weeks.
“Providing transportation, before and after care, and making sure all schools are secure and prepared for classes to begin are my main priorities. I hope that Board Member Hubbard would also be interested in and concerned about that,” Cousins said.
As for comment on the audit, this statement was shared by a spokesperson with the district:
"The Board of Education has the sole responsibility for overseeing Saint Louis Public Schools. We take this responsibility very seriously and are focused on making sure the District is in position to successfully welcome our students back on August 19th."
Proudie is looking ahead at a new bill, which will become law on Aug. 28.
HB 2111 will modify powers for the state auditor.
"The auditor can take it upon themselves and seeing these reports, proceed into the investigation. They are in their rights to do so," Proudie added.
Proudie explained the auditor will be able to subpoena items and if there are illegal findings, the audtior will hand it over to the proper authorities.
Beyond the audit requests, the district also faces transportation concerns.
Families should learn more about plans on Tuesday at the district's first transportation solution meeting at Vashon High School starting at 6 p.m.