(AP) – A group of eight Missouri lawmakers are calling upon Missouri’s governor and attorney general to investigate concerns raised about Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro.

The lawmakers made the request Wednesday after published reports said that newly disclosed emails raised questions about the selection of CEE-Trust as a consultant. The Indianapolis-based firm’s bid for developing an improvement plan for the Kansas City district and other struggling schools was nearly three times higher than the closest competitor.

The emails also highlighted some of Nicastro’s behind-the-scenes work to create a special district that would operate some of the state’s lowest-performing schools.

The lawmakers say the emails raise concerns about Nicastro’s “fitness to lead.”

Nicastro says the focus should be on ensuring that children “have the quality schools they deserve.”