SLPS SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD WINS TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
Judge reaffirms that the SAB governs St. Louis Public Schools

Jefferson City, MO – Today Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled in favor of the Special Administrative Board of the St. Louis Public School District by issuing a temporary restraining order against actions by the divested board. Callahan’s ruling allows the school district’s treasurer to continue signing checks and overseeing the financial administration of the district, as allowed by state statute.

On Thursday, the divested board served a St. Louis bank with papers purporting to order that control of all district accounts be removed from the district treasurer and given to the divested board. The papers were served one day before the district’s pay day and 30 days into the governance by the Special Administrative Board (SAB).

Rick Sullivan, CEO and member of the Special Administrative Board, said that the divested board apparently voted in favor of this action in closed session on Tuesday evening. The SAB asked Judge Richard Callahan to hear arguments for a temporary restraining order in accordance with State statutes and to ensure the continuous of smooth operations within the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS).

"We are pleased with the ruling by Judge Callahan,” Sullivan said. “We have 38 days to prepare for the opening of the new school year. Our first priority is educating children. Our parents expect us to remain focused on instruction, maintain a smooth operation throughout the district, and remain fiscally responsible.” Sullivan added that the ruling clarifies to the district’s bank who has financial control of district funds.

On June 15, 2007, all appointments to the Special Administrative Board became effective, giving the SAB governance. On June 14, Callahan heard the arguments of SLPS divested board members and denied their request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the state takeover of the district.

In addition to Sullivan, Melanie Adams and Richard Gaines serve on the Special Administrative Board.