Missouri Auditor

Francis Howell School District officials did not inform the Board of Education about the growing cost of the new Francis Howell North High School, according to a new state audit.

St. Louis Public Schools’ acting Superintendent Millicent Borishade has inherited a long list of urgent issues to address. They include transportation concerns about vendor vans having expired license plates and other safety issues, student enrollment and district hiring practices.

The Missouri State Auditor’s office began an audit of the district on Aug. 13, and last week, St. Louis Public School District officials said they submitted the majority of documents requested by the office.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says he'll only investigate charter schools in the region if formal complaints show “specific problems” after union leaders sent a letter to the office in August.

The auditor will no longer need consent from governing boards or a petition drive to launch an audit when an investigation shows improper activity by officials.

Since classes resumed, there have been several public complaints about vendors running red lights, expired license plates and kids arriving late to school.

Leaders of the St. Louis Public School District shared plans Tuesday evening to begin the 2024-25 school year on a positive note, as well as insight into finances and student transportation.

As SLPS officials have scrambled to find adequate transportation for students before the new school year, district officials say transportation company First Student is providing 20 additional buses and drivers.

Republican Scott Fitzpatrick said his staff has tried to contact Gardner for months, but "it appears she has willfully evaded our many efforts to obtain information that only she can provide."

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the language on a constitutional amendment to increase minimum funding to the Kansas City Police was so inaccurate it casts doubt on the fairness of the election.