Former principal resigns amid probe
By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Feb. 18, 2003
Former West End Elementary School Principal Judy Radcliff, under investigation for possible misuse of federal funds, resigned from her job citing health reasons.
Radcliff's resignation was effective Feb. 12; the Meridian School Board officially accepted it Monday. Radcliff had been on administrative leave with pay pending the results of the investigation.
School board members also Monday authorized the hiring of a law firm to study internal controls in the school district related to federally-funded programs and the money associated with them.
Radcliff was not at home today and could not be reached for comment. Board members also didn't comment on Radcliff's resignation.
John Compton, attorney for the school board, assured members that Radcliff's resignation will not affect the ongoing investigation which is being coordinated by the state auditor's office.
A spokesman for the auditor's office declined comment.
Radcliff's resignation came about a week after West End got a new principal Owida Roberts, a former English teacher at Northwest Junior High School. Roberts took over on Monday.
Board members did not discuss their decision to authorize the hiring of an outside law firm to study federally-funded programs. But Smith said the district needs an in-depth study.
Smith said no internal control system can assure the board that fraud will not occur. But, she said, a system can be formed that will prevent the creation of false documents and other types of fraud.
Also on Monday, school board members received a brief update on the progress of work groups designed to assist in the search for a new school superintendent.
Fred Wile, school board president, said the work groups represent a good opportunity for the school district to re-evaluate itself.
The school board also bid farewell to board member Ann Stewart, who has served on the board for 10 years.
Stewart was presented with a plaque commemorating three generations of her family's service to Meridian's public schools.
