Clarkston schools superintendent had a warning for those questioning district finances.
‘I can tell you that if I am maligned in the paper again I will seek legal council in terms of libel,? said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts, responding to Independence Township resident Dawn Schaller at the April 19 school board meeting. ‘Please do not malign the school district that has won multiple awards, and passed every audit we have received with multiple commendations.”
Speaking during public comment, Schaller questioned several purchases made by administrators, information she purchased through the Freedom of Information Act.
‘I was very shocked to see some of these and I’m still working on the credit card statements and check registers,? Schaller said. ‘I have a group of people who are helping me with this. I just hope in the future the district is going to use better judgment in how money is being spent.?
Examining credit-card statements for this past October and November, she noted $149.78 to Kroger in three purchases for “office supplies,” $642.82 to Clarkston area restaurants, and $356.46 to Radisson Hotel in Lansing.
Other questionable line items, she said, include $752.72 for supplies/refreshments charged to “teaching supplies/materials,” $279.58 for refreshments charged to “office supplies,” and $350 to Hard Rock Caf? for “teaching supply/materials.”
Roberts defended the district, saying it stays within legal limits and Plante Moran auditors praise its finances every year.
“You are simply wrong to say we are misspending dollars,? he said. ‘Our accounts pass multiple tests, they go through a process ? if you haven’t done school funding, you not going to understand that. I certainly accept that.?
Schaller plans to create a website and upload her findings so everyone can see it.
“The truth will come out, one way or the other,” she said.