School Board President: Open the Books

Two days after Riverfront Times published "Basketball by the Book," an account of Vashon High School's apparent violations of state rules regarding athletic eligibility, St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education president Veronica O'Brien requested that district superintendent Diana Bourisaw investigate whether Vashon students and administration are adhering to residency requirements.

RFT obtained a copy of this November 3 e-mail from O'Brien to Bourisaw:

Diana,

Considering the on going allegations that surround the residency requirements at Vashon, I think it would be appropriate for your office to launch an investigation.

Keep in mind, it may be necessary to look at other schools.

I am also recommending that the Vashon audit that was not completed over the past year be completed at this time. This is important since it deals with part of the residency issues.

It is possible that funds from the alleged non-approved contracts listed in the Vashon audit could be involved.

I would hope this would include assistance from Lashly.

Veronica C. O'Brien

Check back for more, including, when we get one, a response from Bourisaw.

-Kristen Hinman