As a member of the community, I have many questions regarding the investigation, resolutions, and the funds that were allegedly embezzled by Brian Wheeler. A few sentences in an article indicating the administration has addressed policies and now has the GHAPS finances under control is an insufficient explanation for the loss of over $1 million of taxpayer money. Taxpayers deserve more transparency.
According to the Holland Sentinel, GHAPS is “instituting additional controls and processes to safeguard our financial operations. These new processes include stronger vendor verification methods, more robust requirements for contracts and purchase orders, increased employee cross-training, and more consistent documentation.”
I have yet to see an explanation of how $1 million disappeared so I have some questions.
How was this able to continue unnoticed for seven years?
Was the staff following established procedures? Were the procedures lacking?
Was the staff negligent in its duties?
When companies are recommended to provide services to GHAPS what steps of due diligence are undertaken?
How does GHAPS verify services paid for are actually performed?
What information is required to be included on an invoice in order for a company to receive payment?
Who looks at/has access to GHAPS invoices?
It was publicly stated, “After months of analysis by Plante Moran, the report didn't reveal any evidence indicating that Wheeler colluded with other district employees, or that anyone on the board of education or staff was aware of the embezzlement.”
Did Wheeler collude with anyone who was not a GHAPS employee?
Why was Brian Wheeler, an individual with known financial problems, placed in charge of large amounts of money?
The article also stated, “In addition, district leadership is using the heightened sense of staff awareness to emphasize the importance of internal vigilance.” Several staff members were aware that the wages of Brian Wheeler were heavily garnished. Did nobody question how he could afford a trip to Africa, a new RV, and college expenses for his children?
It seems strange that four GHAPS leaders resigned their positions, and were primarily replaced by internal candidates during the time frame immediately preceding the discovery of the embezzlement and just after it was reported to the police.
Board President John Siemion, Resigned September 2021 – Replaced by Mark Eickholt (DEIB Committee member)
Brian Wheeler, Terminated November 2021
Superintendent Andy Ingall, Resigned December 2021 – Replaced by Scott Grimes Assistant Superintendent
Director of Business/Finance Lyndsey Fleser, Resigned December 2021
It is my understanding that no disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible for overseeing GHAPS finances. As elected officials, GHAPS school board members are held accountable by those that reside in the district. It is the duty of the citizenry to ensure that board members are upholding their oath and performing their duties in good faith. If we had done so, perhaps Brian Wheeler’s ability to embezzle funds year after year would not have gone unnoticed by those we had elected to oversee school funding and accountability.
This was not a victimless crime. Our children are the ones who ultimately suffer. The public deserves to know what happened.