St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent placed on "temporary leave of absence"

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - After just a year on the job and just weeks before the start of the school year, St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Keisha Scarlett has been placed on "temporary leave of absence" with pay pending an investigation by the Board of Education of the city of St. Louis.

Deputy Superintendent Millicent Borishade has been named acting superintendent.

"We are fully confident that, under Dr. Borishade’s leadership as Acting Superintendent, there will be no interruptions in the ongoing work and preparations for the upcoming school year," according to a statement from the district.

In Scarlett's short time on the job, the district's finances went from a multi-million dollar surplus of $17 million to a deficit of $35 million.

At least one member of the board wanted to investigate more than a dozen hires made by Scarlett, including the hiring of a communications person who planned to do the job from Houston.

Scarlett's first year as superintendent was also mired by a bus situation that still continues to be a major question mark after Missouri Central Bus Company cut ties with the district.

Scarlett officially became superintendent of the district on July 1, 2023, succeeding former Superintendent Kelvin Adams, who would retire in December 2022. Adams led St. Louis Public Schools for 14 years.

Scarlett signed a three-year contract after moving here from Seattle to take over role, with Scarlett earning a yearly salary of $268,000.

The American Federation of Teachers St. Louis, Local 420 released a statement saying they "have confidence that Deputy Superintendent Millicent Borishade can handle the day-to-day operations of the District."

“Our union has a high level of confidence in the elected Board of Education,” said union spokesperson Byron Clemens, “and we believe there should be no rush to judgement as the process plays out.”