WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

An audit released Tuesday by Ohio Auditor of State David Yost, shows that former Northwest School District Treasurer Karen Morrow owes the district $11,155 for unexcused absences.

The audit explains that, “from January 1, 2010 through November 4, 2011, Karen Morrow served as treasurer for the Northwest Local School District. During this period, Morrow was required to notify the district office when she was absent from work or attending meetings away from the office. District officials record absences on a calendar.

On 21 occasions, Morrow was listed absent on the calendar for reasons such as illness, doctor appointments or vacation, but no leave was used. In five instances, she was listed as out at a location, but no mileage was claimed. Meetings were cited as the cause of four absences; however, the meeting sponsors indicated she was not in attendance. Twelve times she was listed on the calendar as out, but no mileage was claimed or leave used.

Morrow received wages in the total amount of $11,155 for the unexcused absences.”

“She played hooky on the taxpayers’ dime,” Auditor Yost said in a released statement. “If you want to get paid, you at least have to show up for work.”

Yost has issued a finding for recovery was issued against Morrow for $11,155, to be repaid to the district.

In November of 2011 the district placed Morrow on administrative leave by the district. Charges of theft in office were filed against Morrow on November 11th with the Scioto County Sheriffs Office.

According to Scioto County Prosecutor Mark Kuhn, “the state will now certify the audit to the attorney general. The attorney general will then serve me with a copy of the audit. At that point we have 120 days to report back to attorney general to explain what efforts we’ve made to collect on the finding.”

Kuhn said his office will make efforts to collect the moeny.

Mike Maurer, spokesman for Ohio Auditor Dave Yost, said once the money is collected it will be returned to the district.

Calls to Northwest Superintendent Todd Jenkins were left unreturned.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.