SJSD Board President: Board member’s vote on relative’s hiring prompts referral to state authorities

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- St. Joseph School District's Board of Education president told KQ2 on Wednesday that a fellow board member's potential Missouri Constitution violation has been referred to the appropriate authorities for review.

On Tuesday afternoon, SJSD Board President LaTonya Williams sent KQ2 a statement regarding board member Kim Miller's vote last Tuesday on the district's personnel report that included her first-degree relative.

"As President of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education, I take seriously my responsibility to uphold the law, ensure ethical governance, and protect the integrity of the Board’s work.

I want to be clear that I am speaking in my individual capacity as a board member and not on behalf of the Board as a whole.

A concern has been raised by many regarding a recent personnel action involving a board member and a relative. After seeking legal guidance, it was determined that the situation raises significant implications under Missouri Constitution, Article VII, Section 6, which governs the appointment of relatives by public officials. The recommendation was voluntary resignation. If not, ouster action could be enforced by official complaints to MEC, the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General. 

This is not a matter of board policy or discretion, it is a state constitutional law violation. The law does not provide exceptions based on intent, and it is not something that can be corrected through a procedural action such as rescinding a vote.

I made a good-faith effort to address this matter directly and privately. That effort was not successful.

As a result, the issue has been referred to the appropriate legal authorities for review.

I am also concerned about the impact this situation may have on the validity of board actions moving forward and the trust our community places in its leadership.

My focus remains on ensuring that the Board operates within the law, maintains transparency, and continues to serve our students and community with integrity."

Last week, board member Whitney Lanning posted on Facebook that Miller committed the violation. Lanning sent an email to board leadership regarding the issue, as well.

KQ2 reached out to Miller last week and Friday evening.

Miller responded to our email request for a statement, and said she could not "speak to the matter at this time".