By Stewart Dobson

Editor

A state Department of Education investigation into accusations that Worcester County Public Schools employees were misusing school money to pay for meals and other expenses unrelated to official business has come up empty, according to a letter from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.

The letter dated Oct. 18 from Inspector General Richard P. Henry to Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said investigators could not substantiate the allegations that meal money was misused or that school system employees bought meals and were reimbursed above the allowable per diem rate.

“While we anticipated that the resolution of this complaint would affirm that school system officials continue to be trusted stewards of taxpayer dollars, we appreciate the Office of the Inspector General for Education issuing this formal report dismissing any impropriety in our school system practices,” Taylor said Wednesday.

Investigators did find two areas where the Worcester school system’s policy on reimbursements needs to be brought up to date to reflect federal and state standards.

Last revised in 2008, the policy apparently is not in line with current guidelines in the Code of Maryland Regulation or Federal Travel Regulations and should be reviewed, the letter said.

Otherwise, Henry’s letter said, investigators interviewed school system employees and reviewed purchasing card statements and receipts. They also reviewed the system’s policy governing official travel and reimbursement procedures and the school board’s agreements with the Worcester County Teachers Association and the Worcester County Educational Support Personnel Association (WCESPA).

“In closing, the [inspector general’s office] could not substantiate the allegations and is referring this matter back to the Worcester County Public Schools and the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education for further review and consideration,” the letter said.

Regarding the author of the complaint and other information pertaining to its filing, the inspector general’s office does not release that information to the public.

All complaints are treated confidentially, the office says on its website, and are not subject to the state’s Public Information Act.