January 28, 2010
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News: 4th Monroe Principal Questioned on CC Use
A fourth principal in the Monroe City, Louisiana school district has been questioned on alleged misuse of the district's credit card. Bret Vidrine, Principal of the Neville High School racked up over $3,200 in credit card charges believed to be personal expenses. Vidrine failed to support the charges with appropriate documentation. An additional $1,245 in travel expenses appeared to be school related but not properly documented. After a two hour executive board meeting, Board President Mickey Traweek refused to comment on whether Vidrine would be suspended for credit card abuse saying the decision is “strictly up to the superintendent.” Julian Gray, Interim Superintendent said he has held off making a decision on Vidrine's suspension at the urging of board member Rodney McFarland. Gray said he would announce his decision next week.
Three other Monroe School District principals were also questioned on inappropriate credit card use. Lincoln Principal Janet Davis and Madison James Foster Principal Addie Morehouse have both been suspended for improper documentation of expenses and questionable spending on the district's credit card. Both are awaiting hearings set for February 23rd and 24th. A third principal, for Wossman High School, Sam Moore is not being considered for suspension. Meanwhile, Doug Lawrence, the school district's attorney and Superintendent Gray have the authority to continue negotiations with both Davis and Morehouse in hopes of coming to an agreement. Legally, they have up until the hearing begins to resolve the issue.
The secretary at a fifth school, Carroll High School, was also under investigation for misuse of the district's credit card, however, died before the board was able to question her. Pat Montgomery allegedly charged over $60,000 in personal expenses on the district's cards including fine dining, personal utilities, phone bills, beauty supplies, cash advances, and clothing. Montgomery died while under investigation by the District Attorney who has declined to prosecute.
Vidrine defended himself by saying that the audit showed all his credit card expenses as school related. Furthermore, Vidrine maintained that he has cooperated with the district and has responded appropriately to all charges. He also stated that he has managed and reported his card spending to the board in the same manner over the past several years and has never been questioned. In response to the card misuse epidemic, the Monroe City School District has instituted new rules covering employee expenses and card use.