by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—Both the Northumberland board of supervisors and school board on Friday, April 18, unanimously called for the launch of a criminal investigation by the Virginia State Police Financial Crimes Unit into school finances following a recent discovery of an IRS lien being placed on school property for unpaid taxes.
Supervisor Richard Haynie specified that the investigation should look into the “school board and school administration” on any violations of Virginia or U.S. codes “related to financial records, personnel records, public meetings and public records management.” The requested investigation will go back at least five years.
Supervisor James Brann suggested that both superintendent Dr. Holly Wargo and director of finance Tara Booth—both currently on Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)—be put on administrative leave without pay while the investigation is ongoing. Supervisors approved the motion in a 4-1 vote with Jim Long voting against. The school board voted 5-0 to place them on leave pending an approval by school board legal counsel.
At the same time, the school board also unanimously agreed to speed up the process of handing over the finances to the county….
