Public speaker demands answers after student bus crash; board says no formal complaint filed
Summary
A member of the public called for release of findings and safety changes after a student died in a bus crash; the superintendent said no formal complaint had been filed with district leadership.
Arnie C. Dynoff, who identified himself as a public advocate and a candidate for the school board, urged the board to disclose findings and proposed safety changes following a recent student bus crash that resulted in a fatality. "There needs to be some answers and some type of statement made to the public," Dynoff said during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Dynoff said the district, the O'Fallon Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Investigation Division were conducting investigations and warned a lawsuit may follow. He also raised broader concerns about school violence reporting and compliance with the state Safe Schools Act, saying the district may not be reporting the full scope of incidents to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Board member Jeff Marion asked if anyone had provided the district with a formal complaint that would allow an investigation. Dr. St. Pierre, superintendent, responded: "No. I appreciate you asking because I had the same concern when that was verbalized. So nothing has been shared with me regarding any of that."
Dynoff asked the board to release causes, findings and any proposed changes to safety measures. The board did not take action on his request during the meeting. Board members directed anyone with specific allegations and evidence to follow the district’s public complaint policy so staff can investigate through formal channels.
