How often do we read about teachers using their own money to buy supplies for their students because of cash-strapped school systems? This is a great example of how TV station news operations can, and do, hold community leaders accountable.
WTTG, the Fox O&O in Washington, D.C., aired an investigation last week into missing funds and possible fraud inside the Prince George’s County Public School system.
Less than 24 hours later, the CEO of that school system sent out an email about restoring the public trust.
In the email, the CEO, Dr. Monica Goldson, is “referring all cases of missing funds and alleged fraud dating back to 2015 to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.”
This is a great example of how TV station news operations can, and do, hold community leaders accountable.
How often do we read about teachers using their own money to buy supplies for their students because of cash-strapped school systems?
From: Monica Goldson CEO
Subject: -Restoring the Public Trust
Dear Prince George’s County Public Schools Community,
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is charged with ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence, upholding the public trust and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Accountability, transparency and integrity must be our guiding principles. This is our mission for more than 207 schools and 20,000 employees.
A recent media report detailed PGCPS’ long-standing challenges with missing school funds and other abuse of resources. The reports have raised questions on the best course of action for holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring PGCPS employees understand the consequences for these serious actions.
We cannot address the challenges facing our school system if we are not willing to have honest conversations and commit to making improvements.
I want to thank our Board of Education leadership and our internal audit process for bringing these issues to light. While these issues did not start under my leadership, they must stop under my leadership.
With this in mind, I am referring all cases of missing funds and alleged fraud dating back to 2015 to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution. Moving forward, PGCPS will coordinate with law enforcement on any waste, fraud and abuse cases within the system.
Our students deserve every dollar and every resource available to ensure their success, both inside and outside of the classroom. One dollar taken away from our schools due to waste or fraud is one dollar too many.
I appreciate your continued support of our students and school communities.
Monica
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