School District Leaders Speak to Inspector General

Superintendent Rick Mills

Acting School Board Chair Dave Miner

BRADENTON – Superintendent Rick Mills, acting School Board Chair Dave “Watchdog” Miner and other school district leaders spoke by phone Wednesday with Mike Blackburn, Inspector General for the Florida Department of Education, about investigating past financial practices of the district.

“We had a 45 minute discussion with the Inspector General in which we explained the justification and rationale for our request for an investigation,” said Superintendent Mills.

“I believe we made a case that the fallout from the financial calamity that devastated this school district has left on open wound in our community that must be addressed. The Inspector General asked us questions to gain clarity regarding our request, and in the end, asked the district to produce a list of all allegations related to potential policy or statute violations as related to fraud, waste and abuse.”

Inspector General Blackburn stated he would review the list submitted with Education Commissioner Pam Stewart, who will ultimately decide if an investigation is warranted.