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St. LouiS AmericAn The
CAC Audited MAY 10 – 16, 2018
Vol. 90 No. 7 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Black Dems endorse Mantovani
Balloon wings of freedom
Democratic primary to unseat Stenger for county exec is August 7 By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American Democratic challenger for St. Louis County executive Mark Mantovani held an opening for his North County campaign office on Saturday, May 5 with an event celebrating his endorsement by a coalition of black elected Democrats. The Fannie Lou Hamer Democratic Coalition of St. Louis County (FLH Coalition) joined Mantovani for an event at his North County campaign headquarters in Florissant to See MANTOVANI, A8
Mark Mantovani
‘We found a need for greater accountability’ Auditor report on Hazelwood Schools questions accounting practices, spending, attendance records By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
Steve McNulty, 5, a student at Woodland Elementary School in the Jennings School District, took his balloon wings for a test run at the 16th annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Festival held Saturday, May 5 on the Mississippi Riverfront.
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway reported a host of questionable operating practices in how the Hazelwood School District spends and handles taxpayer dollars and resources after an audit initiated by a parent-led citizen petition. “Taxpayers initiated this audit to get clear answers on the school district’s spending practices after the district proposed cuts to services for their children,” Galloway said. “We found a need for greater accountability in spending and a See HAZELWOOD, A9
Photo by Lawrence Bryant
Hazelwood School District parent Monique Norfolk criticized the school board’s decision to make cuts to music programs and physical education at a board meeting on February 16, 2016.
Shante Lyons is new Cardinal Ritter principal Alum returns ‘home’ from leadership position at Ladue high school By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American
n “This is my home. I’m a graduate. I found myself here. I found my professional career in education here.”
However at the school mass on May 2, Blackshear assured the school community that “these shoes When Michael Blackshear can be filled, and the school can go announced his retirement in to the next level,” Armstead said. November after serving as After the mass, Blackshear Cardinal Ritter College Prep’s announced that Shante Lyons – a principal for 10 years, many were Cardinal Ritter College Prep alum wondering who would be able to from class of 2000 and former – Shante Lyons “fill those big shoes.” Ritter teacher and football coach “He’d almost become – will become the school’s new synonymous with Cardinal Ritter principal effective July 1. Lyons College Prep,” said Tamiko Armstead, president is currently an assistant principal at Ladue Horton of Cardinal Ritter and a former student under Watkins High School. Blackshear. “Having Dr. Lyons return to Cardinal Ritter Before Blackshear was principal, he had been as principal is exactly what the school needs,” the dean, athletic director and a coach for the girls’ Blackshear said. “He and I have spent countless and boys’ basketball, football and track teams from 1984 to 1992. See LYONS, A9
Shante Lyons, the new principal at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, spoke to students after his hiring was announced at the school mass on May 2.
Photo by Teresa Martinez