ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst School District 205 board has little to say about the problems surrounding former official Todd Schmidt, other than carefully worded statements.
But members apparently have plenty to say behind closed doors.
Schmidt, the district’s official who oversaw $168 million in building projects, was arrested on felony charges last month in Rockford. Now, his handling of finances is under question, including his use of a district credit card.
Last week, the board met for three hours in an afternoon closed session. Afterward, the board president read a statement saying the district was investigating Schmidt’s use of district resources.
Before and after the board’s regular meeting this week, it held closed sessions, which likely included discussions about Schmidt.
On Thursday, the board released a notice indicating it would meet at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 7 to discuss personnel matters. The board did not specify, but again, Schmidt may well be the main topic.
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In last week’s statement, board President Athena Arvanitis hinted that other employees may face disciplinary action related to Schmidt’s situation.
On Thursday, Patch reported that Schmidt spent $47,615 in personal items on his district credit card. Schmidt reimbursed the district with monthly checks.
The district declined to say who signed off on Schmidt’s spending.
Schmidt’s supervisor was Chris Whelton, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, who remains on the job.
The district is also not saying whether other employees benefitted from a similar arrangement for personal spending.
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