“The Board understands that Mr. Pukala has support within his school from current and former students, as well as staff. Unfortunately, because it is a personnel issue, the District cannot discuss the reasons for the decision regarding Mr. Pukala, nor can the District correct misinformation that is being shared with staff and students, and being repeated by the media.”

Lynch said he and Pukala were demanding that Hazelwood’s administration give them a written explanation for the demotion and a public hearing to appeal the decision, both of which are required by state law.

St. Louis County police said the school district was conducting an internal investigation about the alleged missing money. The police department said it had not been asked to play a role in that inquiry.

More than 160 people came to the Hazelwood School Board’s meeting on Tuesday, most of them to support Pukala, but they were barred from speaking in his favor on the grounds that it is a personnel matter.

A GoFundMe campaign that began on Wednesday had raised almost $3,000 for Pukala’s legal fees as of Friday evening.

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