Brandon Twp.—Belle Ann Parent Organization officials say more stringent accounting procedures are needed.
Following a report in August which prompted the Brandon School District to investigate the accounting procedures of the former treasurer, BAPO officials are now making some changes.
“If we would have had better accounting procedures and they were followed perhaps these discrepancies may not have happened,” said Diane Taylor, BAPO vice president. “We are going to make some changes.”
Taylor, is one of about 30 parents and teachers that are part of BAPO, a private fund-rasing group based at Belle Ann Elementary school. The group raises about $15,000 each year for a variety of school activities including field trips, teacher activities and school assemblies.
Discrepancies in the organizations books were noted last summer when records were reported missing from Belle Ann Elementary school where BAPO officers stored receipts, bank statements and other documents. Officers from BAPO reported the discrepancy to Brandon School officials in August.
Following an investigation by Brandon School District Financial Director Gary Kelly, 10 of about 70 BOPA checks were questioned and four checks totalling about $376 are still under scrutiny. At issue are checks written by the past BAPO treasurer to herself. The former BAPO treasurer, a school employee who has been on leave since the matter began, remains under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department regarding the accounting practices.
As a result of the recent probe, a polygraph for the former treasurer was scheduled for Oct. 23, by Oakland County Sheriff’s Detective and Brandon School District Liaison Arnie Terrell.
“Whether she passes (the polygraph) or not, it can’t be used in court,” said Terrell. “She offered to take it (the polygraph). With all the allegations out there it’s a good way to get a picture of what went on.”
Terrell added that many errors have been found in the accounting procedures and for one person to take the fall may not be the right thing to do.
“We’re here to find the truth, I know she made mistakes, some major accounting errors, that’s a given. We need to look for criminal intent. It may become more complicated.”