Local group files lawsuit against SJSD, school board alleging unconstitutional district plan, Sunshine Law violations

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A local group has filed a lawsuit against the St. Joseph School District and its Board of Education alleging an unconstitutional district plan and Sunshine Law violations.

The "We the People- 3 Schools Inc.", a Missouri nonprofit corporation, has filed a lawsuit in Buchanan County Court, against the St. Joseph School District, the Board of Education, and every current member of the board.

According to court documents, the 52-page lawsuit alleges that the SJSD Board of Education's "adoption of Plan 4BR is unconstitutional, unlawful, unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious or involves an abuse of discretion under Section 536.150, RSMo."

The other count listed in the lawsuit is allegations of multiple Sunshine Law violations.

We the People- 3 Schools Inc. is asking the court to file a preliminary injunction to prevent the District from implementing Plan 4BR while the lawsuit is ongoing.

A trial setting date has been scheduled for July 29, 2026 with Judge Kate Schaefer.

Two of the current board members, Jacob McMillian and Cassandra Veale, were not on the board when Plan 4BR was passed and approved in November.