BVA audit: Wilkinson investigation not reckless

By EMILY BENNETT DILULLO
ebennett@yourmvi.com
Findings of a performance audit for the Belle Vernon Area School District confirmed a majority of the board did not act recklessly in its investigations that ultimately led to former superintendent Dr. John Wilkinson’s May 7, 2018, resignation.
The office of Auditor General Eugene A. DePasquale conducted a performance audit of school district financial matters over four fiscal years from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2017.
The 28-page long audit and formal response from the board and administration is available for viewing on the district website’s home page at bellevernonarea.net.
The auditor general’s office cited two “major findings” and addressed violations of board policy, salary discrepancies, improper tuition payments and paybacks, unapproved pay raises and failure to conduct performance evaluations, according to the statement.
Vice President Joe Grata read a public statement on behalf of the board at Monday’s school board meeting in response to the audit findings.
Grata noted three current board members — Dan Kovatch, Dan Engstrom and Stacey Livengood — were not part of the board during Wilkinson’s tenure and were appointed after the Feb. 19 resignation of Aaron Bialon, John Nusser and Dan Sepesky, who supported Wilkinson and made allegations of a “witch hunt” after Wilkinson’s resignation. Grata said the three newest board members were briefed “months ago” about the performance audit.
The statement detailed recommendations made by DePasquale and Grata said current superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell has properly moved toward completing all of the suggestions.

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