St. Louis Public Schools countersues former superintendent 

In St. Louis Public Schools’ (SLPS) latest legal battle, the district has countersued former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett after her lawsuit, filed in April, contested her abrupt leave of absence and eventual termination.

“The countersuit accuses Scarlett of authorizing contracts, salary increases, promotions and hires within the district without required approval from the Board of Education,” the local Fox affiliate wrote. “The district also alleges that Scarlett improperly used district-issued credit cards for thousands of dollars of personal or non-business expenses.”

SLPS is seeking more than $270,000 in salary and other compensation it has already paid Scarlett, according to the article.

Meanwhile, Scarlett argues the district acted “‘to deflect its own shortcomings on her’ and for reporting ‘illegal activity within the district,’” St. Louis Public Radio reported in April.

“She is seeking damages, lost wages and benefits. Her three-year contract began with SLPS in July 2023 at an annual salary of $268,000.”

As previously reported by Heartlander News, a Missouri audit chastised the district’s board for being “asleep at the wheel and (allowing) Dr. Scarlett to abuse the system in the first place.”

“Time and time again, you’ll see that the Board of Education can and must do a much better job of providing leadership and oversight for the district,” said Scott Fitzpatrick, state auditor.

Multiple school closures planned

The news comes during a time of extreme financial pressure for the beleaguered district, which may close more than a third of its schools to cut costs.

“Historical PK-12 enrollment data show that Saint Louis Public Schools’ enrollment declined from 43,284 students in 1991 to 17,981 students in 2025, a decrease of 25,303 students, or approximately 58.5%,” the district noted in a recent report titled “Future Ready SLPS.”

Shuttering up to 22 of its 62 schools and revamping its transportation system could help close a $41 million deficit, according to the report.

The dampened financial tone stands in stark contrast to the lavish spending uncovered by the state audit under Scarlett’s administration.

Questionable expenses included a Topgolf venue rental and travel upgrades to an Airbnb rental, along with one “unexplained four-night stay at Caesars Palace” – more than $8,600 for just four items.

“The district did not competitively select some vendors as required by district policies and state law,” the report concluded. “In one instance, the district used a non-RFP vendor instead of a preferred vendor for $133,295 in T-shirt purchases without being able to provide an explanation.”

The district has also drawn criticism from community advocates, who argued deeper financial reforms are necessary.

“There seems to be no real plan to move ahead other than closing and consolidating schools in predominantly black neighborhoods [which are] already devastated by tornado damage,” said Byron Clemens, spokesperson for the American Federation of Teachers Local 420.

“We believe that there is still a significant ‘rainy day’ fund and offer to sit down with the elected school board and other stakeholders and develop a comprehensive five-year plan. Closing and consolidating schools alone is not a viable plan.”

(Featured image: Keisha Scarlett / X / Unsplash, altered)