Marina
A recent state audit has found that the Independence School District in Missouri violated the Sunshine Law by discussing public policy topics—including the four-day school week, operational tax levies, and course transfer credits—during closed-door meetings.
These topics should have been deliberated in public sessions, increasing concerns about transparency and public accountability.
Audit Highlights and Findings
| Area Audited | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | District rated “Good“—well managed with minor issues identified. |
| Sunshine Law Breach | Discussed banned items in 27 closed meetings (July 2022–June 2024), including policies and data. |
| Cash Handling Issues | Deposits delayed by over 11 days; discrepancies in change funds ($20 over/short). |
| Electronic Records Policy | No formal policy on retaining texts, emails, and third-party communications per state guidelines. |
The Great rating indicates the district is generally well-run, yet the audit flagged three core concerns: closed-meeting transparency, cash control lapses, and deficiencies in records retention practices.
Sunshine Law Breach in Detail
Under Missouri’s open-meeting laws, known as the Sunshine Law, school boards must conduct business publicly, except in narrow cases like legal or personnel matters.
The audit identified 27 closed-door meetings held between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, where several unlawful topics were covered behind closed doors:
- Debates on the four-day instructional week (including survey data)
- Planning for an operational tax levy or ballot placement
- Discussions on how the district handles transfer credits and class rank for incoming students
These violations significantly reduce public oversight and undermine trust in school governance.
Other Areas of Concern
Cash Handling Shortfalls
The audit reviewed six schools and found:
- Deposits delayed by days—even weeks (e.g., $11,167 deposited 11 days after collection)
- Inconsistent creation of event sheets for student activity money
- Change fund imbalances: one office had $20 too little, another had $20 too much
Electronic Records Oversight
The district lacks a formal records retention policy for electronic communications—texts, emails, and messaging platforms—contravening guidelines from the Missouri Secretary of State.
District Response and Forward Steps
Leadership acknowledged the findings and committed to corrective actions:
- Sunshine Law compliance: Agenda items for closed sessions will be more rigorously vetted. Additional training and procedural reviews are underway to ensure only legally permitted matters are discussed confidentially.
- Financial controls: Strengthened procedures and internal audits to enforce timely deposits, accurate tracking, and secure handling of funds.
- Records management: Collaborating with legal counsel to draft and implement electronic communication retention policies fully aligned with state law.
A “Good” Rating Despite Issues
Despite the infractions, the audit’s overall rating remains positive—“Good”, the second-highest tier—demonstrating that the Independence School District is largely operationally sound.
The cited concerns are limited in scope and already being addressed, signaling a commitment to improved governance and public trust.
The recent state audit of the Independence School District underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to Missouri’s Sunshine Law.
While the district’s operational performance remains strong, its lapse in managing open-meeting compliance, cash-handling protocols, and electronic records retention reveals areas in need of concerted reform.
Moving forward, the district’s proactive plans to strengthen policies and training promise a return to full accountability and community confidence.