Thorpe district moves on audit

The Jim Thorpe Area School Board is moving forward with a forensic audit into the potential misuse of credit cards within the school district.

But there is no guarantee that members of the public will ever see its results.

The school board approved a letter of engagement with Brown Schultz Sheridan and Fritz of Camp Hill at its meeting Monday night.

Under the agreement, BSSF, as a consultant, will review credit card statements, school district payments and other source documents related to credit cards used by Superintendent Brian Gasper and Business Manager Lauren Kovac. The firm will attempt to determine if there are any improper expenses on the credit cards. They will also look into why late fees were charged.

At the conclusion, they will prepare a report documenting the audit which will be released to the school board and its attorney, Gregory Mousseau.

The report may not be published or distributed to members of the public without the written consent of BSSF.

Work on the report will cost between $100 and $325 per hour, depending on the BSSF employee who conducts the work. There would be additional expenses if any legal action results from the audit where BSSF would have to testify.

The agreement requires the district to put up a retainer of $5,000 before work can begin on the forensic audit. Last month, the district approved spending up to $15,000 on the forensic audit, with the ability to increase that amount with a board vote.

During a meeting in October, the board authorized a forensic audit to clear up ‘rumors and innuendo’ about the credit card.

It was taken out in the name of Kovac’s name, and the board never officially authorized the approval.

However, the board has consistently paid down the balance on the card from any expenses.

A district resident obtained statements for the card through a request under the state’s right to know law.

Paul Montemuro alleged that the card was used for meals at several restaurants around Carbon County, which he believed to be improper.

The audit will also include any rewards that were accrued on the card because of the district’s expenses.

When the board authorized the audit last month, members did not say that it would extend to Gasper.

The board is currently advertising for a new superintendent to replace Gasper, who was hired in March 2014.

The school board also voted 9-0 Monday night to approve an agreement with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to help look for a new top administrator.

Under the agreement, the district will pay PSBA two payments totaling $5,000 to plan and conduct a search for a new superintendent.

The search will contain five phases — planning, advertising, screening, interviews and appointment support.

The cost may exceed $5,000 to cover travel costs for finalists, or if the district wishes to advertise in regional or national publications.