November 17, 2009
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News: New CC Policy for Peoria Schools
An investigation into allegations that a former principal of the Charles Lindbergh Middle School in Peoria, Illinois has lead to new policies regulating the use of the district's procurement and credit card accounts. Mary Davis, a former principal at Peoria's School District 150's middle school, has been on paid administrative leave for the past two months as while the State's Attorney's Office conducts an investigation that began seven months ago looking into accusations of misappropriation of school money. During the audit, it was discovered that a district employee opened up a credit card account in the district's name that had not been monitored adequately. As a result, a new policy will be implemented next month that will restrict the amount and types of purchases the district's credit cards may be used.
Previously, the school district did not have a procurement or credit card use policy in place because in the past, they have not issued many cards. With only a few cards in circulation, it has not been difficult to control usage to assure that the cards were not being abused. The new policy will require all School District's administrative employees to sign the internal credit card and procurement card agreement. The policy also covers guidelines covering the establishment and use of membership club cards as well. The new policy has already been approved and is expected to become effective on December 28, 2009.
As far as the case against Ms Davis goes, the district became concerned over a Sam's Club Discover credit card that Davis allegedly opened under her name in joint with Charles A. Lindbergh's school name. It is believed that Davis used the card for both personal as well as business reasons. It has also not yet been determined if Ms Davis was receiving tax exemption on personal purchases. Members of the school district are not convinced Davis is telling the truth as there are discrepancies between her story and the results of the investigation. It has not yet been determined if any charges will be filed against Ms Davis.