Target 11 exposing questionable financial practices at a local school district

DUQUESNE, Pa. — The former superintendent and four other employees in the Duquesne City School District are accused of using thousands of dollars in district funds for their own purposes.

A report by Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale found that from 2013 to 2014, the district’s former superintendent authorized $41,250 in interest-free personal loans to four individuals employed by the district, including herself.

The loans were not authorized by the district’s receiver, chief recovery officer or the school board, the report said.

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“It is outrageous that the staff of the Duquesne School District – including its former superintendent – used this district’s general fund as a piggy bank for personal no-interest loans,” DePasquale said in a news release. “Such behavior is especially egregious given the district is in state receivership and has to send its middle and secondary students to other school districts.”

The district said the loans were offered to assist with “financial hardships” and were repaid. For one request, the superintended said she needed money to help her daughter and with the holidays.

Some taxpayers are demanding more accountability, especially in a district that is struggling financially to keep its doors open.

“I think they should double-check every last one of these people that work in these schools. Double-check them,” said Terry Thomas.

District leaders would not go on camera but told Target 11 that they have implemented administrative and financial controls to ensure compliance with audit recommendations.

To read the auditor general's full report, click here.

Cox Media Group