SLPS asks credit card holders to return them after audit

ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis Public Schools District has announced that those who possess a district credit card are being required to hand them back over. The news comes after the district's internal audit's findings were released Tuesday. All the credit cards that are under the district's name will be turned into the chief financial officer.

This decision follows a recent management report that uncovered extensive misuse of district funds under former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett. Scarlett, who was fired in September after just over a year in the role, oversaw more than 1,100 credit card transactions totaling over $260,000. Of those, 637 transactions—totaling approximately $148,000—were deemed questionable. These included $88,500 in charges by Scarlett herself for items like food, gifts, personal care, and travel.

Additionally, a records request by the Post-Dispatch found district staff spent $1.6 million during Scarlett’s tenure, with significant expenses going toward travel, food, and entertainment unrelated to school operations or academics.

In response to these findings, district leaders aim to strengthen oversight and spending controls. A district release noted the freeze aligns with recommendations in the management report to ensure greater fiscal responsibility. School board Vice President Matt Davis confirmed all 21 district credit cards are suspended until stricter oversight policies are implemented.

The decision comes in recommendation from the 47-page management assessment, which specifically notes ways to prevent the same debt from reoccurring. Those recommendations focused on:

• Credit card monthly cycle limits
• Credit card policy and procedure conflicts—acceptable purchases
• Credit card receipt and documentation retention
• Cardholder agreement and purchasing card training

"We believe these measures will help maintain public trust and reflect our commitment to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. We appreciate the cooperation of our staff in implementing these changes," SLPS said in a release.

District credit cards will be given back to SLPS Monday, Dec. 16.

To view the district's full report, click here.