An audit firm hired by the California Teachers Association released findings from an investigation in to the Teachers’ Association of Long Beach that found more than $120,000 of what appears to be undocumented money by the organization, the Press-Telegram recently reported. Rumors of fiscal irresponsibility have been floating around TALB since the CTA seized control, in the midst of bitter infighting among leadership last October.
Most prominently mentioned in the report is former president Scott McVarish, who the audit says signed more than $600,000 worth of checks in violation of his employee agreement. McVarish was ousted by TALB directors last summer, then reinstated before resigning in February. The report also closely examines the spending of ex-president Tony Diaz, former Assistant Executive Director Eileen Feathers and current General Counsel Gerrie Schipske, also a Long Beach City Councilmember.
The report found that Schipske spent more than $3,000 in personal expenses with the company credit card, but that all expenses were immediately repaid. About $23,000 spent on McVarish’s card were undocumented, as were $11,000 on Diaz’s card and $4,500 on Fetters’. McVarish explains that his card was used by several employees for business expenses and thathe is not responsible for documentation of purchases they make, while Fetters says that all documentation was provided.
The report also examines changes in McVarish’s compensation that were not approved by TALB directors, and improper salary advances to employees in violation of company policy.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor