School Board President Mr. Roth addressed the audience regarding the criminal charges filed against Scott Bumgardner. The charges, totaling approximately $462,000, stemmed from a six-month investigation conducted by the Indiana State Police and the State Board of Accounts.
The board first became aware of potential financial misconduct by Bumgardner in October 2023 when contacted by the State Board of Accounts. The severity of the situation became apparent when the audit report was presented to the board in February 2024, revealing a breach of trust and a betrayal of the students' welfare.
Bumgardner, who was hired in August 2018, exploited gaps in the financial oversight system, bypassing internal controls and disregarding established policies. The failure of key employees, including the treasurer and superintendent, to report suspicious activity allowed the embezzlement to continue unchecked.
The board has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the business office, including the creation of a Chief Financial Officer position filled by Valerie Moore. Additionally, a strict "no gift card" policy has been implemented to prevent future misuse of funds.
Despite the setback, the board remains committed to providing a high-quality education to the students of Huntington County. They are actively working to recover the misappropriated funds through insurance claims and legal proceedings, with the ultimate goal of restoring the integrity of the school district.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this scandal, the board reassures residents that they will continue to meet challenges with integrity and transparency, ensuring that the students' educational experience remains their top priority.
Read the entire Statement of the HCCSC Board of Trustees provided below: