Midstate school district failed to disclose cost of employee separation

(Harrisburg) — The state’s fiscal watchdog say a midstate school district failed to be transparent with taxpayers about the cost of a separation agreement with a former assistant superintendent.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said the Manheim Central School District in Lancaster County did not publically approve or disclose the agreement that cost the district $85,885. 

Auditors said the former assistant superintendent submitted a letter of resignation, then signed a separation agreement in January 2014. The school board considered the agreement in executive session at a meeting later that month, but there was no action taken during the public meeting.

Not approving the separation agreement during a public meeting is in violation of the Public School Code and the Sunshine Act.

The agreement provided the former assistant superintendent a severance payment of $45,000 and a settlement payment of $25,000. The former assistant superintendent also continued to collect contracted wages for over a month despite not working or being on leave or suspension.

District management has agreed with the audit’s findings and agreed to implement its recommendations.