KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — There may be more to the sudden departure of former Kalamazoo Schools Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri than some critical e-mails and a personality conflict.
It appears that Raichoudhuri was not only aware of the unapproved expenditures and a number of board policy violations taking place in the Business Office, but actually signed off on them.
Interim Director Cindy Green confirmed the Superintendent’s initials are also on some of the documents that resulted in the termination of Jim English, documents which she says are posted on the school district’s website.
The investigation into business office practices conducted by an Attorney and a forensic accountant found that English and Raichoudhuri had approved the expenditure of tens of thousands of dollars to hire manpower at rates that exceeded what school administrators make, and without the required board approvals. In addition, giving school funding to an independent agency or person without a signed agreement may not be allowed by law, according to the District’s legal council, Clark Hill, who participated in the probe.
Green defended the board’s action, and the way it’s been handled and says they’ve been transparent throughout the process.
When Board President Patti Sholler-Barber was asked about e-mails published in the Kalamzoo Gazette, suggesting growing tensions between her and Raichoudhuri resulted in the resignation, she declined comment citing legal restrictions.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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