$10K long-distance bill, theft reported in Sask. school division losses

An employee of a Saskatchewan school division racked up nearly $10,000 worth of long-distance calls on the taxpayer’s dime, according to a new report.

For the first time, the Ministry of Education is releasing its losses. The report shows where the ministry lost out on money during the 2013-14 school year.

Only two school divisions are listed for the $10,895 of losses.

The South East Cornerstone School Division reported $9,844 of losses due to “inappropriate use of public assets by an employee making long distance calls” from January 2012 to May 2014.

The report says the employee was fired, and an agreement was reached for the employee to pay back $6,000. The school division also has a new procedure to make sure international calls get reviewed.

The Saskatoon School Divison reported $1,051 of losses due to theft and reimbursements owed to staff. An audit was requested in August 2014 and found a shortfall in a petty cash box of $704. Another $173 was missing from the bussing and athletic cash boxes. There were also $174 worth of receipts owed to staff.

The employee who stole from the petty cash was fired. The school also amended its procedure when dealing with petty cash.

CMarkewich@rawlco.com
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