By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 3:23 PM
In the three week since St. Louis Public School's treasurer abruptly resigned, Superintendent Creg Williams still has not asked the school board to approve a new one. In the meantime, without a vote of the board, the district's interim chief financial officer, Cedric Lewis, has also been serving as the acting treasurer. Labels: Schools
Nearly three weeks ago, Enos Moss suddenly resigned as treasurer of the St. Louis Public Schools. Although the district has repeatedly declined to comment, some people believe that his quick departure was related to a $4.2 million bill from the district's Pension Board.
That bill was delivered to the district in December 2005, but did not come to the attention of the Williams or Lewis until six months later. And since it was not included in this year's budget drafts, next year's projected budget deficit literally doubled overnight.
That Williams has not asked for board approval of Moss' replacement is a source of controversy in the district and on the school board. Board President Veronica O'Brien told PUB DEF that Williams was asked to present a resolution to the board for approval, which he has not done yet.
Board approval for personnel reassignments is something that is clearly spelled out in Williams' contract, which was obtained by PUB DEF last week after a Sunshine Law request.
"It was my understanding that the board should approve this change," said O'Brien. She said that is especially needed for a position as sensitive as treasurer, whose name appears on all of the district's checks.
District spokesperson Tony Sanders could not tell us whose name is currently on district checks.
Bill Purdy, vice-president of the school board, said he was "disappointed that the superintendent has chosen to challenge the board's authority." He said Williams could have called a special meeting to at least inform the board of his selection.
"The superintendent would be wise to recognize that board members are elected by the vote of citizens," said Purdy. "It is that same board that hires and evaluates the performance of the superintendent."
"Superintendents are directly accountable to the board of education and not the other way around," he said.
Related Stories:
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2 Comments:
Veronica O'Brien is the Mobb Boss of the Saint Louis Public Schools. Whoever is trying to do anything in the Saint Louis Public Schools had better kiss her ring. She has shown that she runs the School Board and the day to day functions of the Saint Louis Public Schools. We needed a Mobb Boss for the Saint Louis Public Schools, but I didn't think it would end up being a lady. Some say it is better to be feared than loved, and Veronica O'Brien is definitely feared.
Maybe the Saint Louis teachers union should join forces with her, most unions connect with a Mobb Boss!
6/27/2006 8:58 PM
If there is a Mobb Boss in this town, it can be found in a family name that begins with S and ends with Y. Most who have lived in the city for an eon of years remember how the Slay name was closely associated with gangsters and the mob.
Treat Veronica with more respect. Just look how she has overcome so much persecution and opposition.
And don't you just wonder why a mayor who spoke so openly of "spending like a drunken sailor" remains so mute with all the corruption, waste, and fraud that has been going on lately?
And believe it or not, a teachers' union is a cut above most unions. You may be surprised how most of its members really care about children and youth.
6/29/2006 4:55 PM
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