Misuse of funds alleged at Putnam HS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There is an ongoing investigation and audit over the alleged misuse of funds at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School.

This came to light during a meeting of the Springfield City Council Audit Committee Thursday afternoon.

22News was at the meeting, when City Solicitor Ed Pikula said that there have been some personnel actions taken, including suspensions, resignations and terminations.

The nature of the alleged abuses has not yet been made public. The meeting went into executive session and no further details were provided.

According to a statement from Springfield Public School Superintendent Dr. Alan Ingram, which was sent to 22News by Thomas T. Walsh, aide to Mayor Domenic Sarno, the City is prohibited by law from publicly disclosing details of discussions held during executive session.

"Based on interim findings, I can report that appropriate administrative actions were taken for the employees in question, but once again I am prohibited from discussing the specifics of those actions publicly according to state law," Ingram said. "I have stated publicly previously and would like to reiterate, 'any individuals who have violated the law and have compromised the public trust and integrity of the Springfield Public Schools will be dealth with pursuant to the full extent of the law.'"

Ingram said the review was requested by recently-appointed principal Gilbert Traverso. He added that the Audit Committee will provide an update on the investigation to the City Council in 30 days.