Investigation finds no money stolen

It was launched in May after nine deposits totaling $8,226 weren’t made.

The McKeesport Area school board revealed Thursday that an investigation found there were no stolen funds from an incident in May.

Three months ago, the district announced that nine deposits had not been made, totaling $8,226. At the time of the discovery, the district had its special legal counsel, Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter & Graham LLP, conduct a formal investigation and had an independent auditing firm do a comprehensive audit.

Director Jason Pavlecic announced the results at Thursday’s meeting.

“At that time, they believed to be some money missing out of the athletic department,” Pavlecic said. “However, the investigation concluded that there was not any money missing. The deposits were not made in a timely manner, and all money is accounted for.”

Superintendent Don Mac-Fann previously stated that the district was developing a formal system for the collection, recording and depositing of funds to make sure everything is appropriately tracked. Pavlecic said the investigation led to some changes.

“In response to this investigation, numerous due processes and procedures have been instituted to correct the issues that we found,” he said.

Board president recognized

Also Thursday, MacFann presented recognition on behalf of the Pennsylvania School Board Association to board President Mark Holtzman Sr. in appreciation of his years of service.

The recognition outlined that Holtzman has served on the school board for 10 years. The PSBA recognizes members for their service after every five years.

McKeesport Area Superintendent Don MacFann presents board President Mark Holtzman with a years of service recognition from the Pennsylvania School Board Association. Ladimir Garcia / Mon Valley Independent

“The Governing Board of Pennsylvania School Boards Association proudly presents a certificate of appreciation and recognition of ongoing school board service and the long-term contributions of this individual who brings his energy, talents, values, and guidance of youth to public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” MacFann read.

Holtzman thanked his wife for being with him during his time on the board and said it’s not easy to do.

“This is a tough job for all of us here, and these guys here (other board members), they put time and effort in, above and beyond it,” Holtzman said. “Most folks don’t realize it how much time and effort they put in. We don’t always agree. We might battle amongst ourselves, but we have the respect for each other that we should because we all have one thing in mind, and that’s to educate children.”

In other business, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Twin Rivers Elementary School Principal Brandy Daye.

• Approved work by Murn Inc. at Francis McClure to be done at a $137,378.12 cost.