https://soundcloud.com/st-joe-post/school-district-press-conf-with-newhart-august-12th

Another subpoena was received by the St. Joseph School District in connection with a grad jury investigation.

“We will continue to produce any information and will cooperate fully in regards to that investigation by the grand jury and the FBI but will will not divulge the contents or the information regards to that subpoena,” said Dr. Robert Newhart, St. Joseph School District Superintendent.

It’s the fifth request for information so far.  The district received the subpoena Tuesday. Previously, Newhart had said he expected to have a conclusion to the FBI investigation within the next 30 to 60 days.  When asked if he thought this additional request would prolong the investigation he said, “I would not think an additional subpoena would help shorten it.”

Newhart also addressed an ongoing IRS examination of federal tax returns for the 2013 calendar year.  The auditor was on site at the district office August 4-7.  Newhart said to expect to continue to see the IRS at the district office throughout the year at various times.

“Our goal is to get things right, to make sure that we’re doing proper procedures, protocol,” he said. “It will be an ongoing process and hopefully we’ll learn a lot through this process.”

He attributes the St. Joseph School District IRS review as similar to the IRS examination of Missouri Western State University that concluded earlier this year.

Also as far as reorganization of staffing, Newhart said 27 positions have been cut amounting to a savings of around $750,000 to the district.  Newhart said they hope to do most of this through attrition.

Newhart said the district is working hard to keep the public aware of what’s going on in the district.

Classes start Aug. 17 for the district.