Columbus – More than $4,300 in undocumented debit card purchases led to a finding for recovery in an audit of the General Chappie James Leadership Academy (Montgomery County) released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Every swipe of a debit card should produce a receipt at the end of the transaction,” Auditor Yost said.  “The General Chappie James Leadership Academy needs a better paper trail to ensure accountability of the public’s money.”

Academy policy states the school debit card is to be used by the director.  If other employees are permitted to use the card,  it must be signed out and include a receipt and reason for the purchase when returned.  If a receipt is not received, the employee who signed out the card must reimburse the school for the charges.  In addition, if the reimbursement is not received within 30 days of the purchase, the amount of the purchase will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck.

Several debit card transactions totaling $4,335 did not include proper supporting documentation, nor was board policy followed regarding reimbursement.  There also was no indication the board approved the purchases.  Since Director Kecia Williams and Treasurer Tracy Jarvis were in control of school funds during the 2012 school year, they are held liable for a finding for recovery in the total amount of $4,335.

A full copy of this audit may be accessed online.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Press Secretary
614-644-1111