MEADOW HEIGHTS DEALS CANDIDLY WITH ITS PROBLEMS

The examination continues into alleged wrongdoing in the Meadow Heights School District in northern Bollinger County. A state investigator confirmed a disturbing suspicion: The names of at least 17 fictitious students were added to the rolls of about 550 students during two school years. These names padded the state appropriation to the district, perhaps to the tune of $34,000 a year.

So far, the investigation hasn't proven who was responsible. But it is possible criminal charges may be forthcoming.

This is a serious matter. State tax dollars were misappropriated. If state officials determine that Meadow Heights was overpaid, the district will have to repay the money. The Meadow Heights annual budget is $2.7 million. Such a small budget typically leaves less flexibility. Repaying any money would be difficult for the district.

Hopefully the investigation will determine who defrauded the district and the state and if the individual or individuals responsible put the money toward district or personal gain.

The fact that names of these students appeared on district rolls brings up possible federal funding implications as well. The state only requires numbers from a district. Names might indicate that students were counted for other programs such as transportation, school lunches or special education.

Investigators should also examine those students who withdrew from school to ensure they were taken off official rosters at the correct time. Delays in striking students from the rolls would also inflate school funding.

Now is the time to look deep into all school records, to see if other problems exist. It is time to listen to any other allegations of wrongdoing. All taxpayer questions should be answered once and for all.

School officials have been candid about these unfortunate problems and the subsequent investigation. This is a good move, which should work to rebuild public trust. But even if the board embraces full disclosure, it must realize that rebuilding trust will take time.

In 1993, residents of the Meadow Heights School District requested a state audit of 1992 records. Auditors recommended a number of changes. Some were implemented, some were not. But residents may wonder why the audit didn't uncover the fictitious students.

Audits are based on samples. Auditors don't routinely look at every student's record unless directed to do so. Audits are designed to make sure sound accounting systems are in place as opposed to ferreting out fraud.

The bottom line is that it might be easy for any district to make up students to inflate state appropriations. There apparently are few if any checks and balances on matching student names to real people. This seems to be a lax standard in need of improvement in any school district throughout Missouri. The State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education should consider measures to ensure other districts aren't playing fast and loose with student rosters and Missouri tax dollars.