SPENCER, Mass. (
MyFoxBoston.com) -- Money raised by students is allegedly being abused by their teachers and others.
The Spencer school committee chair says an account says an account meant for student activities was being used as a slush fund, and FOX25 has learned it's not the first time in the school district.
"These funds are contain all the monies that are raised by students from various events throughout the year," Kevin Hayes, the chair of the Spencer-East Brookfield School Committee said.
After reports of mismanagement, the school committee voted to freeze all student activity accounts and take control of them away from principals.
"Who's in charge? Who's watching who?" asked parent Leann Lund.
The school committee also hired a private contractor., Consulting Partners, Inc., to follow the money.
"Ot went from the way funds were being used; questionable whether or not they were for student activities," Hayes said.
Hayes said CPI found the student activity accounts at the David Prouty High School were being used as a kind of slush fund.
CPI's report said in some cases, teachers would collect money for their own activities and deposit it into student accounts to spend later.
FOX 25 also confirmed CPI found membership dues for faculty were paid from the student activity funds, and the school district allegedly "prepaid" $200,000 for technology equipment with student funds.
Hayes says that matter will be referred to the state inspector general's office. He would not comment on how much money was involved.
CPI also reported that items were ordered using student activity funds and delivered to the athletic director Charles Fahey's home.
FOX25 was unable to reach the Faheys at their home this afternoon, but FOX25 has learned this isn't the first time this has happened.
Just two years ago, school administrators discovered that the student activity fund at the Lake Street School was being abused.
Leann Lund says parents want more oversight from the school board down.
"You really wonder what's going on and who's doing what," she said, adding that she thinks the students are the victims of the situation.
