Elmhurst D205 Improper Spending Inquiry Nears End

ELMHURST, IL – An accounting firm is expected to present its findings next month on its investigation of Elmhurst School District 205's questionable credit card spending.

At Tuesday's school board meeting, member Kara Caforio, who heads the finance committee, said she and another member met with the accounting firm this week.

"We had the final meeting to discuss any findings and recommendations based on their study and testing of our system," Caforio said.

Caforio said the district expected the firm, Chicago-based Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, to provide a written summary of its recommendations in time for the board's May meeting.

"Based on their findings from our discussion, there is no additional work for them to complete unless the board determines there is an additional need after reviewing the summary recommendations," said Caforio, who attended her final board meeting after eight years.

In November, Todd Schmidt, the facilities director who oversaw $168 million in building projects, was arrested in Rockford on charges of swindling his mother out of tens of thousands of dollars.

After that, Patch reported Schmidt, who resigned in early December, used his district credit card for $46,000 in personal expenses, including alcohol, cigars, restaurant meals, airfares and sorority payments. He paid back the money monthly with a check, essentially benefiting from short-term loans.

In her statement, Caforio did not say who approved Schmidt's credit card spending. The district has declined to answer that question for months. (Chris Whelton, assistant superintendent of finance and Schmidt's supervisor, resigned in February amid the controversy.)

She also did not indicate whether anyone else used their public credit cards improperly. The district has been silent on that issue in response to Patch's questions.

The local police department has said it is awaiting the accounting firm's investigation before deciding what action it may take.

Under state law, the firm's report will be an open record.