St. Joseph School Board discusses expenditures associated with ‘We the People- 3 Schools, Inc.’ lawsuit

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District Board of Education met Monday for a work session, where a main priority was to discuss the expenses related to a recent lawsuit involving the district.  

Since this was a work session, the board did not take any votes during the meeting. 

One of the agenda items for discussion was a summary of the legal costs associated with a lawsuit from "We the People-3 Schools, Inc."

The organization aims to preserve St. Joseph's history in three schools. A lawsuit was filed following the district's decision to revert to two high schools. 

The 52-page lawsuit alleged 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 litigation has now been dismissed and the administration provided a summary of the district’s expenses related to the case. 

The goal was to give the public a clearer picture of the costs involved, including insurance coverage, while still protecting confidential attorney-client communications and litigation strategy. 

Under Missouri law, expenses for legal services are considered public records and can be discussed during an open session.  

District Superintendent Ashly McGinnis said about $30,000 was initially set aside for the lawsuit.  

“But we did go over that amount, and we have not received our August billing yet, but we anticipate that it would be $6,980,” she said.  

McGinnis also addressed questions about whether the lawsuit could affect the district’s insurance premiums.  

She said the district does not currently have any information on whether the claim will impact future premiums. She explained how insurance coverage depends on the specific provisions of the policy and the details of each legal matter. 

The next board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, at the Troester Media Center, located at 3401 Renick St.