By M. Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – A St. Louis attorney is suing the city Board of Education on behalf of more than 20 parents who say the schools should have never hired a so-called "turnaround firm" to act as interim superintendent.
Lawyer Donnell Smith says school board members violated Missouri's sunshine law by holding unauthorized meetings.
"There was no public participation, no dialogue, and we believe public participation and dialogue always helps people in power to make good decisions," Smith said.
The suit also claims state law prohibits interim superintendent William Roberti from holding the post because he lacks education experience.
Mayor Francis Slay says the suit is frivolous, and the school board acted within the law.