January 27, 2010
-
News: An Epidemic In Monroe School
There appears to be an epidemic in Monroe, Louisiana of school principals abusing the school district's credit cards. Principles from three of the district's schools are facing suspension resulting from an investigation into the credit card abuse. The report indicated that Janet Davis, the Lincoln Elementary School Principal racked up over $1,900 in personal charges which she later paid back. Davis also made a purchase of $210 on the card and then later submitted it for payment on her personal expense report. There were also several expenditures including $687 in gasoline that had not been supported with documentation. A total of $9,630 was repaid by Davis; however, she did so only after being questioned about the questionable credit card charge.
The Madison Foster Elementary Principal, Addie Morehouse allegedly used the school district's credit card as though it were her own personal extension of credit. Morehouse racked up over $5,000 in personal charges and had several transactions that were not supported with documentation. She submitted duplicate charges as well both on the credit card and her personal expense report. The report also indicated that Morehouse had attended a conference charging $640 online for hotel reservations and then switching hotels upon her arrival without canceling out the original reservation. There other numerous questionable transactions listed including $625 for gifts and gift cards, a limousine ride for a student, and $456 in fuel. None of which were supported with documentation. Again, Morehouse reimbursed the district $4,300 upon questioning.
Sam Moore, Principal of Wossman High School used the district's credit card to purchase $300 for gift cards for the school's office staff. Using taxpayers' money to buy gifts is against the law. When questioned by the board, Moore reimbursed the district for the gift cards. All three principals maintain that they have been using the same procedure to manage and report their transactions on district cards to the school board for several years without question.