Since 2018, the Arizona Department of Education has repaid more than $400,000 in federal grant money to the U.S. Department of Education because of alleged misspending (that may involve $638,716); unclear whether VACTE will be required to reimburse state
In a story written by Bill Helm, which appeared in the November 14, 2019 Verde Independent, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) auditors have discovered questionable costs at the Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education located in Cottonwood totaling $638,716 for fiscal years 2011-2016. According to the story, “ADE Public Information Officer Stefan Swiat . . . is not certain whether the Valley Academy will be asked to repay the $426,451” the State has already paid back to the Federal Government.
Former Valley Academy Business Manager Celeste Ziemkowski was indicted on 19 felony counts of theft and misuse of public monies in September 2018. A report released by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office alleged that she “embezzled $30,597 and falsified information in Valley Academy’s records and accounting software.”
The ADE audit findings are based on fiscal years 2011-2016, when Marv Lamer, and his then wife, Lois, served as Valley Academy superintendent. Marv Lamer resigned in 2011 to take a job with the Arizona Department of Education. Lois Lamer retired in March 2016 due to undisclosed health issues.
VACTE is now run by Superintendent Bob Weir, who has cooperated with the State Auditor General in the investigation. Mr. Weir was hired when Lois Lamer left as superintendent.
Source: Article by Bill Helm, Verde Independent, November 14, 2019.