Former School Superintendent Racked Up $10K In Illicit Spending

GREENDALE, WI — Greendale School District Superintendent Gary Kiltz was forced to resign after an investigation revealed that he racked up just short of $10,000 in personal expenses on a district-issued credit card.

According to district officials, Kiltz's illicit spending was discovered by Greendale School's internal financial control processes. Based on the findings of the district and independent investigations, the Board of Education said it was in the best interest of the district to request his resignation.

Kiltz promptly resigned on Oct. 25.

"We know that the news of Dr. Kiltz's resignation because of the violation of district policy on credit card use has impacted the entire community," Crapitto said. "The Board also understands that the district will need to work hard to reestablish your trust ..."

According to Greendale School District officials, the investigation began in July 2019, and was finished this October.

Officials said Kiltz used his district-issued credit card to buy personal items during the winter of 2018, for work done on his home during the spring of 2019, and for family travel expenses during the summer of 2019.

District officials said the total expenses amounted to $9,962.50. The Board says it has an agreement in place to have Kiltz reimburse the district for the full amount. According to a JSOnline report, some of those charges included a $5,323 for work performed by D&M Heating and Air Conditioning, and a $2,073 charge from Cascio Interstate Music store in New Berlin.

Kiltz earned 160,000 in base earnings in 2017-18. His total compensation package was roughly $186,000.

"The Board of Education wanted to take quick action on the matter," Crapitto said in a statement. "Given the nature of the policy violation, we chose to seek reimbursement rather than seek criminal charges. We viewed this as the best option to recover taxpayer dollars."

The Board of Education will develop a search process in the coming weeks. During the interim, the district will be led by Kim Amidzich, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, who will work closely with other district administrators and the building principals. That team will work collaboratively during this transition.

Kiltz joined Greendale Schools as Superintendent in July 2016. Julius Kim, attorney for Kiltz, issued a public statement Monday night.

"Dr. Kiltz is thankful for the opportunity to have worked for the Greendale School District and is proud to have worked with so many outstanding professionals. He worked hard to maintain the high quality education that Greendale Schools are known for and to address the issues of equity and inclusion that are so important to both students and community alike. He sincerely hopes this work will continue and wishes all of the students, faculty and staff of the Greendale School District the best of luck in the future."