WCS Responds To Former Employee’s Arrest
By DR. DAVID HOFFERT
Superintendent, Warsaw Community Schools
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is in response to the arrest earlier today, Thursday, July 2, of Greg Schroeder. See related article: Former School Employee Arrested On Charges.)
On the morning of Oct. 27, 2014, former director of maintenance, buildings and grounds, Greg Schroeder, admitted to Warsaw Community School officials that he had received improper incentive (kickback) payments from a supplier, Continental Maintenance Specialties, Inc.
That evening, the WCS Board of School Trustees terminated his employment. Local news media reported Schroeder’s misconduct and the board’s disciplinary action that night and in the days that followed.
WCS promptly notified local law enforcement who, along with the state board of accounts, conducted an extensive investigation over the following seven months. WCS assisted in and fully cooperated with that investigation.
Law enforcement’s investigation disclosed Schroeder received kickbacks over several years. The last kickback payment that he received was on Sept. 24, 2012, nearly three years ago. During that same time period, Schroeder also participated in the over-purchase and over-usage of chemical products sold by Continental Maintenance Specialties.
During those years, WCS underwent multiple regular audits conducted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts. Those audits did not reveal any discrepancies linked to this matter. WCS is pursuing all available remedies for financial restitution from Schroeder, Continental Maintenance Specialties, Inc., and its owner.
Through an internal evaluation and in consultation with the state board of accounts, WCS implemented additional controls regarding procurement and purchasing of supplies that are designed to eliminate such misconduct. Additionally, WCS immediately began training all employees to recognize and report any potential financial improprieties.
All of these measures send a strong message that the Board of School Trustees will not tolerate this illegal activity.