Cafeteria manager charged in theft of Girard school funds

Staff report

GIRARD

Police have charged the manager of the city schools cafeteria with stealing an undetermined amount of money from the school system.

Police arrested Sandra L. Dorchock, 59, of Hilda Drive, Warren, on a charge of theft in office, a fifth-degree felony.

The arrest followed a monthlong investigation into a shortage of funds in cafeteria deposits in Girard City School District. Police arrested her Jan. 14.

Dorchock has been with the school district for 22 years, school officials said. She was suspended without pay after a special meeting of the board of education Wednesday.

Joe Jeswald, school superintendent, said the district and police still are working to determine the exact amount of money missing.

“The board will proceed to consider the termination of her contract,” he said, noting that the process will take some time.

“This is an unfortunate situation but we were able, with the help of the police, to act appropriately,” Jeswald said.

Dorchock was arraigned Tuesday; she is free on a recognizance bond. The court will set a preliminary hearing date.