ROCKVILLE, Md. — A new report from the inspector general says Montgomery County Public Schools misused money to respond to media attention surrounding a former principal's sexual harassment allegations.
Montgomery County Inspector General Megan Davey Limarzi said the school district used $210,000 from emergency procurements to hire a crisis management team to assist in managing inquiries about MCPS’ handling of misconduct allegations against former Principal Dr. Joel Beidleman. That's a violation of MCPS policy, the inspector general said.
Emergency procurements enable administrators to expeditiously procure services to address serious needs that cannot otherwise be met through normal procurement methods. MCPS’ Procurement Manual allows for the use of emergency procurements when “[a]n emergency may arise in order to protect personal safety, life or property.”
Because they are inherently riskier, result in higher costs, and lack the transparency of other procurement methods, emergency procurements should only be used when other procurement methods are not feasible, the OIG said. MCPS places controls on the use of these procurements, along with specific directions for processing requests.
The OIG found that MCPS did not follow proper procedure when seeking the procurements for the Beidleman crisis team.
This is just the latest report by the OIG's office surrounding Beidleman and MCPS.
A previous report by the inspector general released earlier this year found years-long issues in the way the school system handles employee complaints – including sexual harassment accusations.
Beidleman was promoted to Paint Branch High School Principal despite years of bullying, sexual harassment and a toxic culture, according to an OIG report released in December.
RELATED: MCPS releases redacted report of investigation into handling of complaints against former principal
RELATED: Report finds years-long issues in the way Montgomery County Schools handled employee complaints
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