St. Louis Public Schools board president files for reelection

ST. LOUIS — The president of the St. Louis Board of Education will defend her seat in the April election, setting up a referendum on governance of the troubled city school district.

“Now let’s hear what the people of STL City have to say!” Antionette “Toni” Cousins posted Monday on Facebook after filing her candidacy.

The election comes as the St. Louis Public Schools board faces scrutiny for their oversight of ex-Superintendent Keisha Scarlett, who gave jobs and contracts to friends and made at least $88,500 in questionable credit card charges in her one-year tenure according to the audit from accounting firm Armanino.

Cousins has not responded to questions about her reelection campaign or expenses linked to the board.

An additional $1.3 million in credit card charges not included in the audit show Cousins received three flight upgrades, a violation of district policy. Multiple SLPS staffers said Cousins frequently socialized with Scarlett and interim Superintendent Millicent Borishade, including at 801 Chophouse in Clayton where $3,613 was charged on district-issued cards over six visits.

Two of the 801 Chophouse charges totaling $1,531 were on the card issued to the school board’s executive assistant Shameika Henry. Henry’s card was also used to charge $263 at the Water Grill in San Diego where board members including Cousins attended a conference and received a per-diem for meals. Henry was not in San Diego when the charge was made.

Henry’s card also charged more than $2,900 for Amazon purchases from July 2023 to July 2024.

Cousins announced her reelection campaign earlier this month at a teachers’ union luncheon, where she also said she was not issued a district credit card.

In the next year, the SLPS board is expected to grapple with a projected $35 million budget deficit, a school bus shortage, dozens of staff vacancies and calls to close half-empty schools.

Tavon Brooks, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for city alderman in 2021, also filed Monday for the school board election. The other candidates for the three open seats are Krystal Barnett, Karen Collins-Adams, Zacheriah Davis, Allisa (AJ) Foster, David Jackson, Brian Marston and Bill Monroe.

Matt Davis, the board’s vice president, said he has not decided on running. The third expiring board seat belongs to member Natalie Vowell, who said she has not filed “yet.”

The race for St. Louis comptroller includes former SLPS auditor Celeste Metcalf, who left the school district in March. State Rep. Donna Baringer, D-St. Louis, will also challenge longtime incumbent Darlene Green, who is running for reelection. Baringer previously requested a state audit of SLPS which was launched in August.