MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. - The Muskegon Heights school district is unique because not one, but two school boards share authority.
Each board plays a role overseeing education in the district.
The Muskegon Heights Public Schools Board of Education is the elected body that authorizes the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, which has it's own board.
"The relationship is not a good relationship between the two boards," said Trinell Scott, Board President Muskegon Heights Public Schools.
The board Scott presides over is made up of community members elected by district voters. Members of the P.S.A. board are appointed.
Scott says she and other members of the M.H.P.S. board were disappointed to learn Public School Academy System Superintendent Rane Garcia's used $25,000 to purchase gift cards during the 2017-2018 school year. Those cards were given to district employees.
"It was staff in general, not just teachers, staff that is contracted thru outside contractors, teachers, support staff, it was even the foster grandparents," according to Scott. She and her board aren't opposed to giving employees incentives, "What we do not agree with is the way that the funds were used, and the way they went about using them." Scott said.
This week the Muskegon Heights Public School Board called a special meeting and unanimously passed a resolution critical of Superintendent Garcia's purchase and use of gift cards, and critical of the decision by Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System's Board not to punish their superintendent.
"We are not in agreement with Mrs. Garcia not being suspended about the gift card issue," Scott said.
The elected board believes the gifts may be a violation of Michigan School Code.
Martin Ackley, Director of the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs tells 13 On Your Side, "The Michigan Department of Education is aware of the situation and is considering next steps."
Superintendent Garcia and the Public School Academy System's Board President Rufus Garland Kilgore tells 13 On Your Side.
"The unrestricted local revenue used to purchase the cards, we have been advised by our finance professionals, do not violate the State Law." Adding the gift card were part of the P.S.A.'s "Retention Program." Garland Kilgore added, "These efforts to recognize and retain staff were needed for the academic success of our scholars."
Both school boards tell 13 On Your Side they're making decisions based on what's best for students in the district. School in Muskegon Heights resumes Tuesday.
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