No charges have been filed, but police are investigating.
Terri Meyer, director of food service, first was put on administrative leave when the district found reconciliation of vending machine cash did not match correctly, Hanes said. Meyer subsequently resigned from her position March 19, Hanes said. She had worked for the district since November 1998 and as food service director since December 2007.
Piqua Police Chief Bruce Jamison said the department has initiated a criminal investigation. Hanes notified him when the suspicious activity first was detected, he said.
“I then asked them to do auditing and interviewing to provide us necessary information to effectively begin the criminal side of things. We are just getting started,” Jamison said. The department would not be providing any additional information until its investigation is closed, the chief said.
Hanes said the district runs a tight budget system. “This is proof that our stringent system of checks and balances worked just as it should and that most people are honest and care. We took decisive action to not only deal with this situation, but to also put further safeguards in place to help protect our valuable resources.”
Hanes said the district will receive full restitution of the $41,267 through the district’s bonding and insurance.
Hanes said the district also notified the state auditor’s office, Ohio Department of Education and the schools’ private auditing firm of the missing funds.
A statement on the missing money and Meyer’s resignation was emailed Tuesday to all district parents. Hanes called the alleged mishandling of funds “unfortunate” and assured parents the district works continuously to protect taxpayer dollars.
“All other accounts are in good order and we are putting even further safeguards for our vending machines in place to enhance our already strong accounting practices,” Hanes said in the email.
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