The State Comptroller found a Warren County High School teacher improperly asked students to use their identification numbers to obtain free cafeteria lunches for her.
The investigation reviewed selected records from last fall. The teacher targeted students who typically brought their meals from home and sent them to the cafeteria with sticky notes detailing specific food requests.
“Because teachers are in authority over students, the teacher improperly asking students to get lunch for her creates the risk that a student may not get their own lunch because the student has already used their student identification number to get lunch for the teacher,” the report said.
The teacher said she knew students received free meals and asked them for food since the 2022-2023 school year. She preferred pizza and salads from the cafeteria but did not want to pay with cash or a check, which is required for faculty members. The students used their identification numbers in the line to secure the meals.
Investigators found an internal control deficiency because school officials failed to enforce the student handbook procedures regarding cafeteria rules. Students regularly brought the cafeteria food back to the teacher in her classroom during instructional time.
“Enforcing school policy reduces the risk that error, fraud, waste, or abuse will occur and remain undetected,” the report said.
Warren County Schools participates in a federal provision that provides breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students. Teachers are not eligible for the programs and must pay for their meals.
“The teacher did not give the students any form of payment (i.e., cash or check) to buy the meal,” the report said.
The results of the investigation were communicated to the Office of the District Attorney General of the 31st Judicial District.