The St. Joseph School District is responding after former superintendent Dan Colgan was sentenced Thursday in federal court for wire fraud.

“Today’s sentencing brings a sense of closure for the St. Joseph School District,” said current Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart. “This is just one step toward rebuilding as a district after several years of unrest. For the sake of our teachers, support staff and students, we need to continue to move forward. We know that this process is going to take time. This has not been easy on anyone and the work we have ahead to regain the trust of our employees and the community is of the highest priority for the district.”

Danny L. Colgan, 70, of St. Joseph, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple to one year and one day in federal prison without parole for wire fraud. Colgan admitted his salary was improperly inflated in the last years he worked for the district to increase his retirement benefits which led to an over payment of $677,313 over a 10-year period. As part of the deal Colgan also made a final payment of $608,257 Thursday to complete his court-ordered restitution.