SCHOOL DISTRICT Resolution lets board proceed with termination

How Greene will make restitution has not yet been determined.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- The Campbell Board of Education has passed a resolution to consider the termination of a track coach who the state auditor says owes the schools $7,645.
The auditor ordered Mark Greene to reimburse the school district after an audit for fiscal 2003 released last month revealed that most of the money raised during a candy bar sale that he initiated was not deposited into school accounts.
Greene is the district's home visitation specialist -- truant officer -- and was a varsity track coach at the time.
The office of state Auditor Betty Montgomery also cited Greene for violating the school district's purchasing policy by entering into several obligations with vendors to obtain things such as athletic shoes, uniforms and T-shirts without obtaining a purchase order and having the treasurer certify the availability of funds. As a result, more than $9,000 owed vendors remains unpaid.
Possible termination
According to the resolution, passed at a special meeting Tuesday, the board will proceed with Greene's termination during its regular meeting Aug. 10 unless he files a written request for a hearing before the board by July 30.
How Greene will make restitution has not yet been determined.
The board could work out a repayment plan and deduct it from his wages if Greene remains employed with the district, said James A. Ciccolelli, superintendent, citing one option.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains also has a variety of options, Ciccolelli said. "He could do nothing. He could charge him civilly to recoup our money, or he could charge him criminally."
Gains told The Vindicator last month, after the auditor issued the finding for recovery against Greene, that "We always follow through on these audit reports and we will go after him for the funds."
The prosecutor also said that what happens ultimately depends on Greene. "He can make arrangements to repay what is owed or we can sue him," Gains said.
kubik@vindy.com