ST. LOUIS — A state audit of St. Louis Public Schools’ financial records will start next Tuesday as State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick made the announcement in St. Louis Thursday afternoon.  

The audit follows Mayor Tishaura Jones’ request over the district’s operating budget where SLPS went from a surplus of $17 million at the start of the 2023-24 academic year to a projected deficit of $35 million at the end.

Contracts issued to vendors and hiring decisions with connections to Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett, who is now suspended, also will be reviewed.

Fitzpatrick additionally mentioned that the canceled contract with Missouri Central School Bus will be examined.

An audit for SLPS was already planned this fiscal year, Fitzpatrick said, stating that his office had been concerned with the district’s performance for “some time now.”

“One of the big concerns we have is the proficiency of the students in the district,” he said. “Nearly 80% of the kids in St. Louis Public Schools don’t read proficiently.”

The scope of the audit will be determined after gathering information, according to Fitzpatrick. He mentioned that the school board has been cooperative.

“This is about giving parents and taxpayers access to the information they deserve to have about how they’re schools are operating, and also to give school districts a road map they can follow to operate more efficiently and effectively to serve the kids of Missouri,” Fitzpatrick said.

The entire audit process will take about one year to complete.

Fitzpatrick said anyone who may have information about issues going in the district they want to share can visit the state auditor’s hotline.

"St. Louis Public Schools welcomes the decision by Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick’s office to conduct financial and operational audits of the District," SLPS said in a statement.

"These types of audits, while time-consuming for our staff, are always helpful both for transparency and for identifying areas for improvement. The District, of course, will cooperate fully with the auditor’s office."

The State Auditor’s Office has three other audits with Missouri school districts taking place, including Francis Howell R-III, Independence and Kingston K-14.