October 26, 2011 – “The disgraceful financial practices that had been taking place at Putnam Vocational Technical High School are serious and disconcerting. Upon learning of concerns surrounding financial practices at Putnam, I immediately directed the appropriate city departments to conduct a thorough and complete investigation and audit. The audit was conducted in a professional and transparent manner. This issue is not nor should it be about politics.
A report from the 13-month audit of financial transactions at Putnam from 2002 until August 2010 revealed poor oversight of the financial operations. The individuals involved have been disciplined by the school district and we will send a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated. The facts surrounding this matter have been a distraction to the Springfield School Department and the most important thing is that we continue to move forward with our top priority of educating the students of the Springfield Public Schools.”