Former St. Louis Schools Superintendent Sues District, Union Over Firing

Millicent Borishade alleges wrongful termination after reporting misconduct, including payroll fraud and Title IX violations.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:49am

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Former St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Millicent Borishade has filed a lawsuit against the school district, its teachers union, and several officials, claiming she was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for reporting widespread misconduct and legal violations within the district, including alleged misuse of public funds, payroll fraud, immigration compliance issues, procurement irregularities, and violations of federal laws such as Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges that school district leaders can face when trying to address alleged misconduct and legal violations, and the potential consequences for those who come forward as whistleblowers. The outcome could have broader implications for accountability and transparency in public school systems.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Borishade was fired on October 17, 2025, just eight months after being formally appointed superintendent following a stint as interim leader. The school board at the time cited the need for a leadership change to move the district forward, and named longtime district employee Myra Berry as interim superintendent. However, Borishade alleges her termination was in retaliation for uncovering and reporting a range of issues within the district.

  • Borishade was fired on October 17, 2025.
  • Borishade had been formally appointed superintendent eight months prior, following a stint as interim leader.

The players

Millicent Borishade

The former superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) district who has filed a lawsuit against the district, its teachers union, and several officials, alleging wrongful termination in retaliation for reporting misconduct.

St. Louis Public School District

The school district that fired Borishade, citing the need for a leadership change to move the district forward.

American Federation of Teachers Local 420

The teachers union that Borishade has named in her lawsuit.

Myra Berry

The longtime SLPS employee who was named interim superintendent after Borishade's firing.

Karen Collins-Adams

The president of the SLPS Board of Education.

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What they’re saying

“Every individual has the right to pursue legal action, and the courts are responsible for determining the merits and outcome of claims. Our focus remains where it belongs--on educating students, supporting our staff and continuing the important work underway to improve our schools and stabilize the district.”

— Karen Collins-Adams, SLPS Board President

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that school district leaders can face when trying to address alleged misconduct and legal violations, and the potential consequences for those who come forward as whistleblowers. The outcome could have broader implications for accountability and transparency in public school systems.