Missing Money

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003 | 8:34 a.m.

Here is a breakdown of the amounts of missing student funds, schools involved and a synopsis of the Clark County School District audit findings:

A June 13 audit found that from 2000 to 2003 the school's former principal, Dan Reese, was inappropriately reimbursed for $11,675 from the school bank for expenses "that had already been paid with budget funds." Auditors recommended disciplinary action against Reese and said he should make restitution. Reese retired. Attempts to reach him for comment Monday were not successful. School District officials said Monday they did not immediately know how much of the missing money has been recovered.

An Oct. 1 audit found that then-Principal Emil Wozniak made unauthorized loans during the 2002-03 school year, but that those loans were repaid. Superintendent Carlos Garcia on Monday said that prior to the audit findings, Wozniak had requested a transfer and today is principal at Sierra Vista High School. Garcia said Wozniak was "severely disciplined" but would not elaborate. Attempts to reach Wozniak at the school were not successful.

Western High School, $52,376

An Aug. 14, 2002, audit found that a theft had occurred involving several school activities funds. School police investigated the incident. The audit recommended that the school seek partial restitution from an unnamed employee who was responsible for the money. School District officials on Monday said they did not immediately know how much of the missing money has been recovered.

A June 28, 2002, audit found that a "theft has occurred," including an $8,855 "deposit shortage noted during (a) count of funds in (the) safe." They were primarily checks for prom tickets and yearbooks. The school's response to the audit said the "bulk of the issues are attributed to the incompetency of the banker, who was placed on leave." School District officials said Monday they did not immediately know how much of the missing money has been recovered.

An Oct. 3, 2001, audit found that money earmarked for bank deposits had been diverted six months earlier for personal use by an unnamed employee. The audit said the employee made restitution and was suspended pending termination. In a response to the audit, the school said an armored service was hired to collect daily deposits to prevent future incidents.

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