ST. LOUIS – After a year marked by challenges, the St. Louis Public Schools Board voted to remove Superintendent Keisha Scarlett during Monday night’s meeting. The unanimous 5-0 decision follows months of controversy surrounding Scarlett’s leadership, and her legal team is now preparing to contest the decision.
Scarlett, who had been on paid leave for several months, was officially dismissed due to a combination of factors, including issues with transportation, budget deficits, and allegations of cronyism.
Scarlett had previously appealed the board’s decision in September but chose not to attend Monday’s hearing, citing what she claims are violations of her due process rights.
In a statement to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Scarlett’s attorney, Sherry Culves of Parker Poe in Atlanta, expressed frustration with the board’s handling of the case. Culves stated that Scarlett was barred from accessing SLPS property, district records, and district-issued devices during the investigation. Additionally, the board allegedly denied her requests for records, withheld key evidence, and scheduled the termination hearing with only five days’ notice.
Scarlett’s legal team argues that she was not provided details of the investigation or the opportunity to defend herself properly. Culves also claimed the board failed to share witness lists or critical documents ahead of the hearing, which they believe violated Scarlett’s contract.
According to her attorney, many of the issues, such as transportation difficulties, were long-standing and not unique to SLPS, suggesting that Scarlett was unfairly blamed for systemic problems.
Byron Clemens, spokesperson for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) St. Louis Local 420, defended Scarlett’s tenure, acknowledging the district’s challenges while also noting progress made.
“We’re fixing the glitches day by day,” Clemens said. “We’re not always going to be perfect, but we’re getting there.”
After Scarlett was placed on leave earlier this year, Dr. Millicent Borishade, who had been brought into the district by Scarlett, stepped in as acting superintendent. Despite not having the necessary certification for the position in Missouri, Borishade has been selected to continue in the role for now. Clemens addressed concerns about her certification, explaining that Borishade is certified in other states, and it’s a matter of whether Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will recognize her credentials.
As the district moves forward under Borishade’s leadership, Scarlett’s legal battle continues, leaving uncertainty around the resolution of these ongoing challenges. FOX 2 reached out to Culves for more information and has not received a response as of Tuesday night.
