Auditor Fitzpatrick begins performance audit of the Special School District of St. Louis County

A special school district responsible for providing educational services to more than 23,000 children with disabilities in the St. Louis area is now the subject of a performance audit announced today by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick said his office has started the audit in response to concerns about the treatment of children by the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) as well as financial and operational issues.

"The services provided by the district to the families and children in St. Louis County are extremely important and it's imperative that these students are being provided an environment where their safety, health, and educational well-being are the top priorities," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "With the district's financial crisis and the Justice Department's investigation, it is clear a thorough evaluation of district operations is needed immediately. Our audit will provide an opportunity to identify weaknesses within the district's governance, but also provide recommendations that can put the Special School District on a better path to meeting the needs of the many young people who rely on these vital special education services."

Fitzpatrick cited the district's financial struggles as it recently announced a district-wide salary freeze to address a budget deficit that may be as much as $83 million. The district could deplete its reserve funds by the 2028-2029 school year according to recent reports. Fitzpatrick noted legislation considered by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session would have allowed participating school districts to leave the SSD, which would cause further distress to the district's finances.

Fitzpatrick also said the audit will review the SSD's seclusion and restraint practices. Earlier this year, the Justice Department notified the SSD that its seclusion and restraint practices violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Special School District responded by saying it will no longer use seclusion and supine restraints on its students.

Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of the Special School District of St. Louis County to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.