Friday, March 14, 2003
SALEM -- The city school board is expected to meet in special session tonight to hire a new treasurer.
The person selected, whose name has not been released, will be replacing Ted Cougras.
Cougras resigned in December, just as the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office and the state auditor's office began inquiries into the Salem schools treasurer's office activities.
One focus of the inquiry is the purchase of $781 in office equipment that was delivered to Cougras' Poland home.
He has not been charged with any crime. The investigation continues.
The school district has been using a temporary treasurer while it has searched for Cougras' replacement. The search began after the first of the year.
Five qualified candidates applied for the full-time post.
Among the hopefuls were Phil Butto IV, the Hubbard Schools treasurer; Larry Syverson, Leetonia schools treasurer; and David Karas, former East Liverpool schools treasurer.
The meeting to hire the treasurer is set for 5:45 p.m. at the board's administration office, 1226 E. State St.