Phil Wright resigned as chairman of the $29.5 billion Missouri Public School Retirement System, Jefferson City, according to a letter on the plans website. Events beyond my control make it impossible for me to continue to serve effectively as a (fund) trustee, Mr. Wrights letter said. He resigned April 18. Tina Zubeck, vice chair, will serve as chairwoman in the interim; she will take over officially July 1 and serve for at least one year.
Mr. Wright, who recently stepped down as superintendent of the Liberty (Mo.) Public School District, and other school district administrators were accused by the district of misusing school credit cards and not providing receipts for purchases, including alcoholic beverages; they have not been formally charged, said district spokeswoman Eileen Houston-Stewart.
In a news release, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt said he would ask for a state audit of the district. The district is midway through its own audit.