The Woodland Hills School District will undergo an audit.
State Representative Abigail Salisbury said the Office of the Budget is working alongside the PA Department of Education to learn whether the district has complied with PA School Code.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>>Woodland Hills school board president addresses concerns regarding district’s finances
The audit will cover the district’s fiscal operations from Jan. 22 to the present.
Today, Woodland Hills School Board President Terri Lawson stepped down after theft charges were filed against her. She is also the former Rankin Borough manager. Police said she used the borough’s credit card over 130 times for personal expenses.
Woodland Hills’ district solicitor defended the district.
“Any allegations or suggestions of financial wrongdoing are without foundation,” Matthew Racunas said. “The board wishes to reiterate clearly and unequivocally that it is not aware of any financial misappropriations in the district.”
State auditors will be looking at a number of issues, including fiscal management, superintendent performance, and hiring practices.
“I really hope that an open audit of the books will prove nothing untoward has happened,” one woman said at Wednesday’s meeting. “The fact that there is so much resistance to it doesn’t make me feel confident.”
As for Lawson, she resigned her role as president but did not step down from the board despite calls for her to resign.
The board began the process of censuring Lawson, limiting her access to district materials. It’ll be voted on at the next meeting.
Channel 11 did attempt to speak to Lawson but she directed us to her attorney Phil DiLucente. He called for due process to play out and stressed the charges against her have nothing to do with Woodland Hills School District.
“After hearing all the constituents tonight, I thought my client might have taken [part] in the Kennedy assassination,” he said.
Newly-elected president Karen Lyons also refused to comment about Lawson and had this to say when asked about the audit.
“I have no reaction,” she said.
The board also addressed the absence of the district superintendent. The solicitor said it’s for “military leave” and is unrelated to a previous administrative leave.
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