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Written by Annette Tucker
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Monday, 12 October 2009 |
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Parsons, Ks – At last week’s Labette Community College Board of Trustees meeting, Board member Mike Howerter questioned why there were gaps in check numbers on the claims register presented to trustees for approval.
He was provided with a complete list that included an item in the amount of $500 to George Knox, the president of the Parsons based college. The description stated “campaign donation/Dennis McKinney”. Dr. Knox said the president of Pratt Community College contacted his colleagues throughout the state this past spring about participating in receptions for the state treasurer who has been a strong supporter of community colleges since serving in the state legislature. According to Dr. Knox, the money was used to sponsor a reception for McKinney and he was following board policy to attend as many functions in the community as possible to promote college interests. Dr. Knox said he had the opportunity to discuss the Cherokee Center with McKinney at the spring reception. He also explained that Trustees are only required to approve checks utilizing taxpayer money. The LCC business officer is authorized to approve checks drawn on accounts utilizing interest from various funds, including an account entitled the President’s Office under Activity Funds. College policy provides that the President has the discretionary use of up to $2,000 of non-public funds per fiscal year primarily for limited events or activities where he or she represents the College officially within the College community and may include, but are not limited to, such things as an entry fee for a charity golf tournament, donations to charitable organizations, Community concert series tickets, purchase of multiple tickets to service club events, student activities or groups and other events that promote the visibility of the President and College within the College community. The Board of Trustees may request a report detailing the expenditures on the account from the Vice President of Finance and Operations at any time. Howerter said he ran for the board position citing the need for more transparency in college operations. He requested a legal opinion from the board’s attorney on the reimbursement to Knox. The college president said he is seeking an opinion from Donna Whiteman, an attorney with the Kansas Association of School Boards.
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