Hancock County Superintendent Dan Enich took to the offence at Monday night’s Board meeting as he said he had been the one to contact the State about financial irregularities.
“The State didn’t come to me, I went to the State,” stressed Enich, repeating again, “I went to the State.”
The Board employed a financial consultant, Jeff Davis of Tyler County, to deal with what Enich described as “disorganized” accounting.
Enich provided a list of former CFO Joe Campinelli’s failure to adhere to State policies and Enich’s attempts to acquire the correct information.
Enich said that by not using the full capabilities of the (state) system, the County was not keeping up. He said for 15 plus years Campinelli had not used the system which detailed enrollment and financial projections.
“I do not know why it has not been used.”
$2 million was not drawn down by Campinelli, but Enich assured those in attendance that the Board will still be able to recoup the money.
“Monthly reports were not given to the State,” said Enich. “On July 25, we (the Board) discovered that PEIA (Public Employee Insurance) had not been paid and were able to pay that.
“I am happy it was brought to the forefront, but not happy with situation we’re in,” said Enich.
While he said he and Assistant Superintendent Dave Smith had a plan that would have reduced employees by 25 every year for four years when they assumed their positions, clearly it was not aggressive enough. The County has 143 employees over the State formula and has been paying those salaries and benefits out of local funds.
Enich said the Board improvement plan will be made public and will discuss findings; adopt a formal correction plan; compliance; and over sight;
Three members of the public addressed the Board. While the comment period is an opportunity to express concern, Enich stressed it is not an question and answer session.
One speaker posed numerous questions and when he did not receive an answer said “Board declines to answer.” Enich said the rule which prohibits answering in that forum would be sent to the speaker along with the written answers.
While financial issues were discussed, Enich made no mention of school closure.
