News

Columbus – A state audit released today orders a former high school cheerleading coach to repay $1,880 in missing revenue to the Fairfield Union Local School District (Fairfield County).

The financial audit of the school district reports that Amanda Waddell collected payments from the cheerleading team during 2017 for clothing and a cheerleading camp, but she never submitted $2,780 of the amount to the district for deposit. 

Waddell resigned in October 2017 after district officials questioned her about the discrepancies and requested a review by the Auditor of State’s office. The district withheld $900 from her salary as a precaution. 

“Too often, revenue shortages like this aren’t uncovered until an audit team comes knocking on the door,” Auditor Yost said. “The district should be commended for its vigilance and appropriate handling of the matter.”

Auditors issued a $1,880 finding for recovery against Waddell for the amount she still owes to the district.  

The report also contains a referral to the Ohio Ethics Commission related to some of the payments. Records show that several checks meant for the district were made out to Waddell personally or to her business, Cheer Infinity Athletics.

“Ms. Waddell acted in violation of the law and may have profited from this action,” Auditors wrote.

A special report published by Auditor Yost in November highlights the risks associated with collection processes at local governments and school districts. According to the report, more than $3.4 million in payments received by public entities in the past decade never made it into their bank accounts.

A full copy of this report is available online. 

###

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Beth Gianforcaro
Press Secretary
614-644-1111