By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has demanded records from the St. Joseph School Board after receiving allegations of misconduct during the successful campaign to pass a $20 million bond issue in April.
Bailey, in a news release, says his office has received “disturbing allegations” that the St. Joseph School Board violated several laws, included the Sunshine Law.
“As Attorney General, I take seriously my obligation to enforce the laws as written,” Bailey said in a written statement released by his office. “Public officials have a duty to maintain the highest standards of conduct, and this is especially true when public officials are responsible for the education of Missouri children.”
The Attorney General says he has received allegations the St. Joseph School Board violated the Sunshine Law, the state ballot-measure expenditure law, and the state conflict-of-interest law.
Bailey is requesting records and documents from all meetings, both open and closed, this year. Also, Bailey has requested information about any agreements or financial arrangements made between the St. Joseph School District or Board and Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. The AG wants financial records related to the April bond issue. The news release states the AG office also wants school district and school board personnel policies, especially any pertaining to conflicts of interest.
“The allegations brought to my office are very concerning and I take them very seriously. As such, it is critical that you comply immediately with the demands contained herein and promptly provide these records. Sunshine is said to be the best disinfectant and full transparency is certainly the best way to restore the trust of the public,” Baily said in a written statement.
The St. Joseph School District issued a statement:
“The St. Joseph School District has received a request for records from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The district is working to respond to that request in accordance with the law and will fully cooperate with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office as they complete their review.”
More than 65% of St. Joseph voters approved the $20 million bond issue in April.
This article has been updated to add the St. Joseph School District response.
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