Fact Checking
There are a number of rumors running through the DeWitt Community. Some are about the School Board, Administration and personnel matters. Other rumors relate to the Bond Issue. I encourage taxpayers to get facts from sources who truly know what is going on. Rumors are damaging and can result in outcomes that can negatively affect the District for years to come. To help dispel some of these rumors, I offer the following. If you hear other rumors and would like me to add to this list, please respond by clicking on the Feedback tab and forward the rumor to me. I’ll get the accurate information.
RUMOR: There have been several instances of financial improprieties in the Business Office and the charges have not been investigated.
FACT: When the Administration and Board heard these claims over a year ago, an internal investigation commenced immediately. Finding no evidence of financial improprieties, the District solicited the assistance of the independent auditing firm conducting the District’s audit. They uncovered no evidence of financial misdeeds. This year, a second audit firm conducted further investigations, again finding no evidence of financial improprieties.
RUMOR: There has been a “Gag Order” placed on the staff, ordering them they are not allowed to talk with members of the Board and all communication must go through the Superintendent.
FACT: Board policy 4112 is the basis for this rumor. The policy states that formal communication between staff and Board members should flow through the Superintendent. The intent of the policy is to clearly state that any issues of a business nature must follow established protocol. For example, if a staff member had a complaint about another staff member, administrator or parent, their “chain of command” should be followed. Should a staff member approach a Board member on such a matter, any Board member would advise them that they should first report the issue to their Supervisor, then through the chain of command, if necessary. If their appeal reaches the Superintendent level without “satisfaction”, they always have the right to appeal to the Board of Education through the President of the Board.
This policy does NOT prevent staff from contacting Board members on any matter and discussing any issues of importance. In fact, Policy 4112 C speaks directly to this matter.
RUMOR: The new custodial personnel, hired by Grand Rapids Building Services (GRBS), are not background checked.
FACT: State law mandates the background checks the District must conduct on each employee hired. Grand Rapids Building Services’ policy is to conduct more in-depth background checks than the District did previously.
RUMOR: The Board hires firms from outside Lansing, specifically in West Michigan, because the Business Manager lives there and is giving contracts to his friends.
FACT: State law and Board Policy mandate what products and services must be competitively bid. Most professional services (i.e. attorneys, financial advisors, consultants) are exempt from bidding requirements, but with the custodial contract specifically, the District solicited sealed bids and interviewed three firms. GRBS was selected based on their experience with other districts, favorable references, the interview process and favorable site visits. In short, the Firm was the most qualified to provide the services specified in the bid package. Lansing area firms providing these services were invited to submit proposals through public notices in local newspapers. Not one submitted a proposal.
The Board of Education encourages the use of local vendors when possible and when the goods and services meet our standards (Board Policy 6450).