Corruption in the School system

This was last year. Article from the Sussex County Post.

In recent weeks, the Sussex County Post has published two “public service” advertisements paid for by a local taxpayer who is accusing the Indian River School District of financial mismanagement.

Mr. Elder criticizes the district for not providing an explanation or comment on the recent issues involving former Chief Financial Officer Patrick Miller, who was placed on administrative leave in April and retired from the district in June.

Mr. Elder also mentions legal issues regarding Mr. Miller’s previous employment in the Brandywine School District. It should be noted that Mr. Miller was hired by the Indian River School District in September 1998, approximately six weeks before the state auditor’s office began its investigation of Brandywine’s finances. The final auditor’s report was not issued until September 2000 and Mr. Miller’s criminal case was not adjudicated until November 2000, more than two years after he was hired by IRSD.

Furthermore, the ad refers to Mr. Miller as “Superintendent Bunting’s CFO” when, in fact, all district employees, including the superintendent, are hired by the Board of Education, which is the school district’s governing body. Mr. Miller was hired in 1998 under a previous superintendent, administration and Board of Education. He remained on our administrative staff after Dr. Bunting assumed the superintendent’s post in 2006.

Mr. Elder’s ad also alleges a “cover up” of perceived financial mismanagement by the district.

Mr. Elder’s ad also contains the inaccurate statement that the superintendent announced a “$7.3 million shortfall.” 

AND HERE IT IS
Mr. Elder goes on to state that the district has offered no explanation for the “disappearance” of the money. This statement implies that district wasted more than $7 million through financial mismanagement.

Here is my opinion on this matter. Patrick Miller has abused his position in other places. Patrick Miller has yet to be charged for his involvement in all of this and in his previous employment. Reason why is there are people in higher up positions who will be named knowing about this which the newly elected governor would not want those names to be released. Why? Because he is in good with someone who HE appointed.


CROOKED DELAWARE