Abbott  Tech  Class  of  1992  Summary  of  Communications  Specific  to  Student  Activity  

Funds    Jan  17  2012  5:08  PM  E-­‐mail  sent  from  Dan  Gaita  to  Robert  Lombardi  and  HATS  Administration  SUBJECT:  Status  of  Class  Dues  Account  for  Henry  Abbott  Tech  Class  of  1992    Dear  H.A.T.S.  Administrator,      My  name  is  Dan  Gaita,  I  am  a  1992  Graduate  of  Abbott  Tech.  I  was  also  Class  President  of  our  class  and  we  are  in  the  process  of  planning  our  20th  High  School  Reunion  and  wanted  to  know  what  the  process  was  for  us  to  access  the  funds  we  had  collected  and  set  aside  for  our  reunion.      I  await  your  reply  and  guidance.      Respectfully,      Daniel  R.  Gaita    Jan  20,  2012  2:57  PM  Reply  email  from  Robert  Lombardi  to  Dan  Gaita  Subject:  Henry  Abbott  Inquiry  for  Student  Activity  Fund  (SAF)  Class  Funds  From  the  Class  of  1992    Answer:  “Mr.  Gaita      Prior  to  the  Class  of  1997,  schools  were  able  to  retain  funds  for  future  reunion  purposes.    Beginning  with  the  Class  of  1997,  any  remaining  funds  automatically  transfer  to  the  Student  Activity  Fund  (SAF)  general  fund  after  all  debts  have  been  satisfied.    No  funds  are  retained  for  any  future  purposes  –  including  reunions.”    January  25,  2012  Email  sent  by  Dan  Gaita  and  multiple  other  classmates  to  Robert  Lombardi  Subject:  class of 1992 Henry Abbott Tech Regional Vocational High School Mr. Lombardi, I am sure that you must be aware of the firestorm of negative publicity and press that this "policy" is about to set off. I have forwarded your correspondence below to my former classmates who are all rightfully outraged that the School/State would so candidly fleece funds that had been collected by school aged students twenty years ago with the sole promise that those funds were to be set aside in escrow for our twentieth year class reunion. We were all children then, all of us between the ages of 13-18. We entrusted our administration with our hard earned money. We counted on them to keep their promise. Over 100 students each gave $35 per year to this fund. This amounts to a

balance of over $14,000 before any interest from escrow holdings is even considered into the equation. Making a policy change or any withdrawal from this account without first notifying the class officers (account investors) is fraud and or theft. Telling us the money is no longer there after it was promised to us back in 1992 is either negligent misrepresentation, or intentional misrepresentation, or both. Either way it is wrong. We are not children any more Mr. Lombardi, We are now parents, doctors, lawyers, tradesman and women, business professionals and active participants within our communities. The answer you provided below is unacceptable to me and many others in our class. We trust that in your good and fair judgement you will reconsider what was stated below and return to our class the funds that each of us invested between the years of 1988-1992 for the purposes of our upcoming 20th Year Class Reunion. If for some reason this is not to be the case, I can assure you that both criminal and civil lawsuits will be filed and we will do everything within our abilities to ensure you and all those responsible for taking our money are held accountable. Also, be assured that every class prior to 1997 is going to be made aware of this action and invited to join in any future class action lawsuit. I am hopeful we can resolve this without the need for costly and time consuming litigation, removals, firings, and media attention. This really is shameful.  

From: Tinty, Beatrice [mailto:Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:26 AM To: Dan Gaita, Araya, Mario Subject: Abbott - FOI Request - Initial Response Please see below the response to your request which has already been forwarded to other members of the Class of 92.   Your email to Mr. Lombardi has been forwarded to me.

Your request under FOI is acknowledged and we are investigating the records of the Class of 92. At this point we have determined that:

o There is an account for the Class of 92 at HATS and during the years that the class of 92 attended Abbott dues covered graduation items such as program, cap and gown, and may have included yearbook and prom tickets if stated in the class bylaws.

o The account for the Class of 1992 left no instructions for future use which is why we asked you to produce any original evidence in the way of minutes Since we have no class minutes we assume that any amount remaining is the balance after such expenses were paid.

o Based on a copy of a financial report as of June 30, 1999, the balance in the Henry Abbott Class of 1992 account was $9,741.68 including debits paid through the Class of 1992 Student Activity account for a 5-Year Class of 1992 Reunion expenses and interest posted to the account.

o Based on the financial reports sent by the school, the amounts recorded are as follows: Class of 1992 7/31/93 $13,648.10 balance 6/30/97 + 801.45 interest transfer

6/30/97 - 1,532.19 checks (4) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Supplies, DEP Photographer, Caterer Deposit, Printing) 7/31/97 - 89.35 check (5) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Invites) 8/31/97 - 845.83 checks (2) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Stamps, Favors) 9/30/97 - 2,261.15 checks (5) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Caterer, Supplies, DJ, Photos) 10/31/97 - 523.98 check (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Glassware) 6/30/98 + 544.63 interest transfer 6/30/98 = $9,741.68 ending balance

7/31/99 Balance 0

o A financial report as of July 31, 2000 does

not list the Class of 1992 as an active account at Henry Abbott THS.

We are searching to determine if there are any financial reports such as bank records/transfer records reflecting the justification for the decrease. We will continue to research the transaction(s) that resulted in the closure of

this account and the transfer of the remaining balance sometime between June 30, 1999 and July 31, 2000. . Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov       From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: RE: Abbott - FOI Request - Initial Response Date: January 27, 2012 11:23:41 AM EST To: DANIEL GAITA danielgaita@comcast.net Mr. Gaita: We are examining all SAF files at Abbott- as fast as we can- and I expect a resolution that will be acceptable to you, including assistance regarding a deposit to hold a location for your 20th year class reunion. In response to your request for immediate assistance for a deposit payment to a facility, I have been advised by the SAF Consultant here in Central Office that payment of the funds for the 20th reunion must be made directly to the

facility for services or goods, payable on behalf of the class reunion. Any class officer - you as President- may submit an invoice for payment. This is the method that was utilized with the Class of 1992 5-Year reunion and is still the way that is in accordance with SAF procedures. I suggest that you have the facility prepare an invoice for a deposit to hold the location and if you agree I will see that it is paid. I do want to assure you that we will address the contribution to the trust fund as well as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov From: Daniel Gaita [mailto:danielgaita@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 4:46 PM To: Tinty, Beatrice Subject: Re: Abbott - FOI Request - Initial Response I have been informed that the fax was sent. Please let me know

when a distribution has been made. I will certainly be letting the Governor know how helpful you have been with this. Thank you again. On Jan 27, 2012, at 3:49 PM, Tinty, Beatrice wrote: From: Tinty, Beatrice Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:16 AM To: 'Daniel Gaita' Subject: RE: Abbott - FOI Request - Initial Response I have the FAX. I will keep you informed. From: Tinty, Beatrice Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:28 AM To: Kercado, Ada Cc: Chasse, James; Lombardi, Robert Subject: FW: Invoice Ada- please take action ASAP to pay the attached invoice in the amount of $500 as a deposit for the 20th reunion of the Class of 92 at Anthony’s Banquet Facility and please reply when you have completed the payment. From: Kercado, Ada Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:37 AM To: Rosen, Marilyn (Abbott) Cc: Tinty, Beatrice; Lombardi, Robert; Chasse, James Subject: FW: Invoice Importance: High Marilyn:    Please  issue  a  Student  Trustee  Account  check  on  behalf  of  the  Class  of  1992  for  the  deposit  of  the  facility  rental  for  the  20th  class  reunion  as  soon  as  possible.    Please  follow  the  appropriate  policy  and  procedures  when  issuing  the  check  and  ensure  that  documentation  of  the  expense  through  the  minutes  is  completed.    Finally,  please  request  a  receipt  from  the  facility.   Thank  you. Ada F. Kercadó, Education Consultant Student Activity Program Coordinator, Financial Aid and

CAE-Net Administrator Connecticut State Department of Education Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, Connecticut 06457 Tel.: (860) 807-2063 Fax: (860) 807-2068 E-mail: ada.kercado@ct.gov "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will never see...and we must invest everything we can in those messages." Unknown Author From: Tinty, Beatrice Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 9:47 AM To: 'danielgaita@comcast.net' Subject: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion I expect the check to be issued today. Please see below for details. From: Daniel Gaita [mailto:danielgaita@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 7:01 PM To: Tinty, Beatrice Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Ms. Beatrice, Rocco has received the check and I will be meeting with him tomorrow to finalize the remainder of the details for the event. The price per person is $65 - we are counting on the remainder of the funds to offset a significant percentage of this price since many of our classmates our not in the most favorable financial situations, and many are unemployed. Moving forward, how shall I handle future charges for this event? The same as we handled this one? Also, since you have been so instrumental at making this event a reality due to your efficient work and investigation, are you interested in being a guest at our event? Saturday July 14th, 2012 from 6pm-midnight at Anthonies Lake Club, Danbury CT. Thanks again and please keep us posted.

From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: RE: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: February 1, 2012 9:18:13 AM EST To: DANIEL GAITA <danielgaita@comcast.net> Cc: Ada Kercado <Ada.Kercado@ct.gov>, James Chasse <Jim.Chasse@ct.gov>, Robert Lombardi Robert.Lombardi@ct.gov Good Morning Mr. Gaita, We are continuing to examine the SAF records at Abbott however in order to expedite your requests we are re-establishing the Class of 1992 account and a process to track the disbursements and liquidity of the account. The SAF Consultant has deducted the $500 from the $9,741.68 so the balance in the account is now $9241.68. Any funds that you request for the reunion will be addressed. The Abbott staff will issue a Student Trustee Account check on behalf of the Class of 1992 for any expenses related 20th class reunion. I have been advised that there are no minutes to validate a payment to a trust fund. Therefore, in order to do that I suggest that you discuss the contribution at your reunion and take minutes recording a vote and then submit a request.

Thank you so much for inviting me to the reunion and I am flattered by your kindness but all I did was expedite the work of others. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov On Apr 5, 2012, at 11:24 AM, "Tinty, Beatrice" <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> wrote: Mr. Gaita: After our last communication we asked that an audit be done with the Student Activity Accounts at Henry Abbott. All monies are accounted for however there definitely was confusion regarding the record keeping. I will not bore you with the details but after a certain year the class accounts were no longer maintained separately. My reason for telling you this is that the

auditors also stated that we must have minutes from the class of 92 stating that the balance remaining in their account may be used for a reunion. We have no file. My first step is to ask you if you have any copies or do any of your classmates have them. I need some sort of evidence. In lieu of minutes do you have any verbal recollection that you and the officers passed such a resolution? Are you willing to prepare a statement of your verbal recollection and have it signed by the members of the class- or at least the officers? I hope you have a good holiday and I’ll wait to hear back from you. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov On Apr 5, 2012, at 12:21 PM, Dan Gaita wrote: I will prepare a statement and provide supporting evidence. Thank you for the

follow up. Daniel R Gaita From: "Daniel Gaita" <DanielGaita@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: April 11, 2012 11:10:01 AM EDT To: "Dan Gaita" <danielgaita@comcast.net> Cc: "Tinty, Beatrice" <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> PLEASE CONFIRM RECEIPT

Wednesday, April 11, 12 FROM: Daniel R. Gaita

President, Class of 1992 Henry Abbott Technical School

TO: Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire

District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov

SUBJECT: TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF ALLOCATION OF ABBOTT TECH CLASS OF 1992 STUDENT ACTIVITY FUNDS BALANCE TOWARD CLASS REUNIONS Ms. Tinty, Per your request contained in your email dated April 5th,

2012 and sent at 11:24:14am EDT to Dan Gaita with the subject line: FW: Abbott – Class of 92 – Deposit for Reunion, I hereby attest that at all times while a student and Class President of the Class of 1992 at Henry Abbott Regional Vocation Technical School I was continually and repeatedly informed by School Administration, Class Advisors and Class Officers that the remaining balance of our collected class dues and/or other collected revenue from class activities and fundraisers in our Student Activity Account was to be used for future class reunions and that any remaining balance was also to be reserved for use at the discretion of the class graduates. As evidence to support this testimony I would direct any investigating authority to your most recent, January 25th, 2012 emailed reply detailing the accounting, financial reports and distribution of our class student activity funds following our FOI Request on this account. Specifically that:

Based on the financial reports sent by the school, the amounts recorded are as follows: Class of 1992 7/31/93 $13,648.10 balance 6/30/97 + 801.45 interest transfer 6/30/97 - 1,532.19 checks (4) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Supplies, DEP Photographer, Caterer Deposit, Printing) 7/31/97 - 89.35 check (5) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Invites)

8/31/97 - 845.83 checks (2) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Stamps, Favors) 9/30/97 - 2,261.15 checks (5) (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Caterer, Supplies, DJ, Photos) 10/31/97 - 523.98 check (5-Year Class 1992 Reunion Glassware) 6/30/98 + 544.63 interest transfer

6/30/98 = $9,741.68 ending balance As demonstrated in the above accounting, the distributions from the student activity account for our 5th year reunion clearly support our argument that these funds had been retained for such use. In addition, I further attest that at no time was I nor any of our class officers advised of any actual or proposed changes of account management nor did any of us authorize our Student Activity Account balance to be used for any other expenses. Respectfully, Daniel R. Gaita President, Class of 1992

From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: FW: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: April 11, 2012 11:20:40 AM EDT To: Patricia Johnson <Patricia1.Johnson@ct.gov> Cc: James Chasse <Jim.Chasse@ct.gov>, Ada Kercado <Ada.Kercado@ct.gov>, DANIEL GAITA <danielgaita@comcast.net>, Patricia Ciccone <Patricia.Ciccone@ct.gov>, Robert Lombardi Robert.Lombardi@ct.gov Good Morning Ms. Johnson: You will see from the email trail below that I informed the President of the Class of 92 that we had no minutes on file regarding the use of funds remaining in the class account and as an alternative he could offer evidence of his recollection of the class’s intentions. The president has responded and you will find his statement below. Please advise if this is sufficient. Thank you for your attention and assistance. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: Abbott- Class of 92

Date: April 11, 2012 11:35:08 AM EDT To: Patricia Johnson <Patricia1.Johnson@ct.gov> Cc: Ada Kercado <Ada.Kercado@ct.gov>, Patricia Ciccone <Patricia.Ciccone@ct.gov>, Robert Lombardi <Robert.Lombardi@ct.gov>, James Chasse <Jim.Chasse@ct.gov>, DANIEL GAITA danielgaita@comcast.net I have received two more attestations. I will hold any further ones and send them all at once. From: Daniel Gaita [mailto:DanielGaita@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 2:33 PM To: Tinty, Beatrice; Daniel Gaita Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Beatrice, I wanted to get clarification on a couple of points below in your email. Specifically: Could you please provide a copy of the audit you refer to below and also, would you or any other individual be able to answer the following questions specific to our class fund: 1. What was that "certain year" that the class accounts were no longer maintained separately? 2. Why is there no record of our Class Minutes? 3. Who authorized and/or implemented the change in record keeping specific to our account? 4. Since the change in class account maintenance impacted our class funds directly, why were none of the officers notified of any change in account management/account status? Should this matter require legal action the above questions will naturally be asked in any future discovery process, but it would be nice to avoid that path if we can.

I am now concerned that the promise of obtaining our funds may have been pre mature. I hope I am incorrect in my assumption. Please advise. Respectfully, Dan Gaita On Apr 5, 2012, at 12:21 PM, Dan Gaita wrote: I will prepare a statement and provide supporting evidence. Thank you for the follow up. Daniel R Gaita From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: RE: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: April 12, 2012 9:17:46 AM EDT To: DANIEL GAITA <DanielGaita@comcast.net> Cc: James Chasse <Jim.Chasse@ct.gov>, Ada Kercado

<Ada.Kercado@ct.gov>, Robert Lombardi <Robert.Lombardi@ct.gov>, Patricia Ciccone Patricia.Ciccone@ct.gov

Attached you will find the audit as requested. I will answer your questions:

1. What was that "certain year" that the class accounts were no longer maintained separately?

This practice began with the Class of 1997.

2. Why is there no record of our Class Minutes?

Record Retention schedules require that records be retained for three years.

3. Who authorized and/or implemented the change in record keeping specific to our account?

The Advisory Committee composed of CTHSS SAF representatives recommended that there be liquidation of class accounts within 6 months of graduation and that class funds be transferred to the school general account.

4. Since the change in class account maintenance impacted our class funds directly, why were none of the officers notified of any change in account management/account status?

No one was contacted because it was assumed that the class account funds would be available even though they were being maintained in the general account. We did not anticipate the confusion that resulted from the transfer and assumed no class would be affected.

Our in house expert is on vacation this week so if you need additional details I will be able to

provide more information on Monday April 16th. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov INTERNAL AUDIT FROM April 4th 2012 WAS ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL: Transcript Below:

STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT ADVISORY MEMORANDUM

DATE: April 4, 2012

TO: Pat Ciccone, Superintendent���Connecticut Technical High School System

Brian Mahoney, Chief Financial Officer Finance and Internal Operations

FROM: Richard LeMay, Supervising Accounts Examine Office oflntemal Audit

RE: Henry Abbott Technical High School - Student Trustee Account j During our recent examination of the Student Trustee Account CSTA) at Henry Abbott Technical High School, we identified certain practices that we believe should be brought to you!' attention at this time in order to afford the opportunity for corrective action in a timely manner. The details of our findings are reported below.

Background

On February 2, 2012 we met with Connecticut Technical High School System (CTHSS) Central Office staff to discuss their concerns with STA transactions at Henry Abbott Technical High School. Specifically, 1) Student Trustee Account funds being used for transactions normally funded from state operating funds and 2) the disposition of Class of 1992 funds after a recent inquiry from a Class of 1992 representative. On February 7, 2012 we performed a review of recent STA activities at Henry Abbott Technical High School that included examinations ofSTA purchase records and inquiries with applicable school staff.

Findings #1 Student Trustee Account Purchases

Through inquiry with the School's Principal and Business Manager and our review of transacti ns involving purchases, we revealed the following instances in which the school did not adhere to established operating procedures or policies associated with STA transactions:

On November 7, 2008 the school transferred $10 ,000.00 from the Kenneth A. Michael Scholarship Account to the Miscellaneous and General Surplus account within the STA. Student council minules indicate approval of the transfer. Based on scholarship criteria, The Kenneth A. Michael Scholarship Account is to be used for post-secondary scholarships and/or tool/equipment awards. The Principal has stated that the monies were used for gym repairs/equipment that had not been approved as paft of the school's renovation project. Documentation reviewed by OIA indicated that approximately $91,235.00 was spent via the STA on gym related repairs/equipment and approximately $8,765.00 remained in the Mi ceIJaneous and General Surplus account. The School has since transferred approximately $J5,000.00 back into the Kenneth A. Michael Scholarship Account.

In addition, our review of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 STA purchases revealed that approximately $1,825.00 was disbursed for non-student activity related activities including newspaper advertising, open house signs and a school sponsored dinner.

The expenditures noted above are clearly School operating expenses and should not have been paid from the STA.

We recommend the following:

1. CTHSS management work with SDE Fiscal Services to replenish the

School's Student Trustee Account with CTHSS operating funds.

2. CTHSS management review Student Trustee Account procedures associated with purcha es and scholarship accounts with the School's Principal, Business Manager aDd Student Council A visor.

3. CTHSS program manager monitor all future Henry Abbott Trustee Account purchases to ensure compliance with Student Trustee Account policies and procedures.

CTHSS Response:

1. We agree with this recommendation. Operatingfunds have already been targetedfor transfer to Henry Abbott's Student Trustee Account.

$85,000.00 will be transferredfrom operatingfunds to the KennethA. Michael Scholarship account to reimburse the scholarship accountfor the inappropriate transfers out and $1,825.00 will be transferredfrom operatingfimds into Henry Abbott's Student Trustee Account - General and Miscellaneous account to reimburse the accountfor newspaper advertising, open house signs, and a school sponsored dinner.

2. We agree with this recommendation. A meeting with the three identified staffwill be scheduled immediately.

3. We agree with this recommendation and have already implemented procedures to ensure all Henry Abbott's STA purchases are pre-approved by a member ofthe district's central office fiscal staff

In addition, we are exploring with our student trustee account software vendor the feasibility o f requiring central office review and electronic pre-approval ofall student trustee account purchases.

Findings #2 Class of 1992 Student Trustee Account Funds

Through inquiry with the School's Principal, Business Manager and CTHSS staff and our review of documentation relative to the Class of 1992 we noted the following:

. a) The Class of 1992 had a balance of $9,741.68 per the school's ST A trial

balance dated 6/30/1998.

. b) The Class of 1992 had a balance of $0 per the school's STA trial balance dated 7/31/1999.

. c) The school was unable to provide documentation of Class of 1992 fund activity between ���6/30/1998 and 7/31/1999.

. d) Minutes instructing the use of remaining Class of 1992 funds have not been obtained from the ���class officers and could not be located at the school.

The revised STA procedures manual dated December 6, 1990 states the following "Commencing with the class of 1989, balances in class accounts remaining after all class activities have been paid may revert to the SlUdent Council account. Funds which are in the class accounts may not be transferred to the custody of class officers. The school Director must maintain custodial obligation over these funds. If there are no specific instructions left in the class minutes regarding use of the funds and a class account has had no

activity for a year and it is cel1ain that all encumbrances have been paid, then the funds will revert to the student activity association's general fund and the account is closed."

Without minutes from the Class of 1992, we cannot determ ine the disposition of Class of 1992 funds. We recommend the following: ���1. CTHSS Central Office pursue Class of 1992 minutes from class officers. ���CTHSS Response:

1. We agree with this finding and will request the appropriate minutes from class officers.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and please contact me with any questions.

Attachment RUnc

cc: Ellen Camhi ���Nora Chapman ���Jim Chasse ���Justin Cleary ���Bruce Ellefsen ���Robin Fiumara ���Theresa Hopkins-Staten Charles Jaskiewicz Patricia Keavney-Maruca Ada Kercado

Robert Lombardi

Patricia Luke Stefan Pryor Marilyn Rosen Jerry Salese ���Allan Taylor Beatrice Tinty

Nivea Torres Joseph Vrabely Jr. Ramona Weingart Stephen P. Wright

TO: Richard Lemay, Supervising Accounts Examiner Office of Internal Audit

FROM: Patricia A. Ciccone, Superintendent ���DATE: March 26,2012 ���SUBJECT: Response to Audit Review of Student Trustee Accounts - Henry Abbott THS

Detailed below is the CTHSS' response to the recently completed audit of student trustee accounts (formerly called student activity funds) at Henry Abbott THS.

Recommendations #1.1 to #1.3 - Student Trustee Account (STA) Purchases

R commendation: CTHSS management should work with SDE Fiscal Services to replenish the school's Student Trustee Account with operating funds.

Response: We agree with this recommendation. Operating funds have already been targeted for transfer to Henry Abbott's Student Trustee Account.

$85,000 will be transferred from operating funds to the Kenneth A. Michael Scholarship account to reimburse the scholarship account for the inappropriate transfers out and $1,825 will be transferred from operating funds into Henry Abbott's Student Trustee Account - General and Miscellaneous account to reimburse the account for newspaper advertising, open house signs, and a school sponsored dinner.

Recommendation: CTHSS management should review Student Trustee Account procedures associated with purchases and scholarship accounts with the school's principal, business manager, and student council advisor.

Response: We agree with this recommendation. A meeting with the three identified staff will be scheduled immediately.

Recommendation: The CTHSS program manager should monitor all future Henry Abbott Student Trustee Account purchases to ensure compliance with STA policies and procedures.

Response: We agree with this recommendation and have already implemented procedures to ensure all Henry Abbott's STA purchases are pre-approved by a member of the district's central office fiscal staff.

In addition, we are exploring with our student trustee account software vendor the feasibility of requiring central office review and electronic pre-approval of all student trustee account purchases.

1

Recommendations #2.1 - Class of 1992 Student Activity Funds Recommendation: The CTHSS Central Office should pursue Class of 1992 minutes from class officers. Response: We agree with this finding and will request the appropriate minutes from class officers.

On behalf of the Connecticut Technical High School System, we welcome the opportunity for our fiscal operations to undergo review and be provided recommendations for improvement.

Thank: you.

xc: Robert Lombardi, James Chasse, Ada Kercado, Robin Fiumara, Nora Chapman, Justin Cleary

END OF AUDIT ----

From: DANIEL GAITA <DanielGaita@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: April 12, 2012 8:42:03 PM EDT To: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Cc: Daniel R Gaita danielgaita@comcast.net Beatrice, Thank you again for your effective investigation. It looks like other issues were uncovered and addressed too in the audit. Please let me know that we are assured our funds for our event. As you can imagine, this recent development and requirement of more testimonials and student time is causing a bit of an uproar on the planning end of things. I believe you have about 10 testimonials now. I would guess this is more than sufficient? Please advise and thank you again for your work on this. From: DANIEL GAITA <DanielGaita@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: July 1, 2012 6:15:46 PM EDT To: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Cc: DANIEL GAITA danielgaita@me.com Beatrice, 1. I wanted to follow up with you regarding final payment for our 20th Reunion. This Friday I will be providing a final head count to the caterer and they will be needing payment at that time. Shall I notify you of the final cost? 2. Also, the remaining balance will be donated to one of our deceased classmates childs college fund. How shall I go about ensuring this happens and what will be required from me/us to complete the process?

Thank you in advance for your assistance. Respectfully, Daniel R. Gaita & The Class of 1992 From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: FW: Abbott - Class of 92- Deposit for Reunion Date: July 2, 2012 9:19:46 AM EDT To: DANIEL GAITA <danielgaita@comcast.net> Cc: James Chasse <Jim.Chasse@ct.gov>, Ada Kercado Ada.Kercado@ct.gov Daniel I will send your request to the individuals above. They will tell us what to do. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov From: Daniel Gaita [mailto:danielgaita@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 12:04 PM To: Tinty, Beatrice Cc: Chasse, James; Kercado, Ada; CTFFSPARKY1350@yahoo.com; Timmy Mallette; clarktrumpet2@sbcglobal.net; jandc08@charter.net; Aaronnobel@gmail.com; nmpd426@gmail.com; coach_tonym@yahoo.com; hatcitykeenan@yahoo.com; rachelle.omarra@cartus.com; squirrel270@sbcglobal.net; Maria Kieras;

Mario Araya; Daniel R Gaita; threeringrecords@yahoo.com; aschmaling@gmail.com; cosmo8@charter.net; malves@sperryrail.com; daniecaban@gmail.com; DJJG@comcast.net; bobp667@gmail.com; packard51kb@yahoo.com Subject: Abbott - Class of 92- Final SAF Class Disbursement Directive Ms. Tinty, I have included in text and have attached to this email the Minutes of our Special Meeting. I have also included all 20th Reunion registered attendees in this email. I would like to pick up the check for the final payment to Anthony's and also the final disbursement for Dominic Botticelli's 529 fund per the direction of our meeting minutes. Check 1. Payable to: "Anthony's Lake Club" in the amount of $2,425.00 Check 2. Payable to: "New York's 529 College Savings Program" in the amount of $6,816.68 I live within 15 minutes from Abbott Tech and would be happy to pick the checks up there sometime between today and thursday of next week as our reunion is on Friday the 14th. Please advise. Respectfully, Daniel R. Gaita Minutes of meeting follow: Henry Abbott Tech Class of 1992 C/O Daniel R. Gaita, Class President

121 Dodgingtown Rd Bethel CT 06801 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Friday July 6th, 2012 11:30am Class of 1992 Group Web Meeting Web Location: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hats1992/ Present: Daniel R. Gaita, President, Scott Schomber, VP, Brian Admas, Treasurer, Tim Mallette, Colleen Buckley, Daniel Crowell, Brian Bollaro Call to order Consideration and decision of final disbursement of Class of 1992 Student Activity Funds The class officers and graduates in attendance recommended any remaining balance left over following their 20th Year Class Reunion be directed to the 529 College Savings Program fund for Dominic A. Botticelli which is held through New York’s 529 College Savings Program under account number 368139808-01 Final disbursement would be made payable to: New Yorks 529 College Savings Program on the completed form attached to this meetings minutes and mailed to: PO Box 55440, Boston, MA 02205-8323. Following discussion, based on the account details obtained February 1, 2012 from Connecticut Technical High School System District Counsel, Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire the remaining Student Activity (SAF) balance following the $500, 20th reunion deposit payment deducted from the SAF account by the state appointed SAF Consultant is currently $9,241.68.

Final Count of registered guest to attend the 20th Reunion is 45. The cost per person is $65. Therefore the balance due less the deposit to Anthony’s Lake Club is $2,425.00. This final payment for the 20th Reunion leaves a remaining balance in the SAF account of $6,816.68. Motion made by Tim Mallatte to direct and disperse any and or all remaining Class of 1992 Student Activity Funds and or remaining and or indebted funds to the class of 1992 following the Henry Abbott Tech Class of 1992, 20th Year Class Reunion to the 529 College Savings Program fund for Dominic A. Botticelli which is held through New York’s 529 College Savings Program under account number 368139808-01. Final disbursement to be made payable to: New Yorks 529 College Savings Program on the completed form attached to this meetings minutes and mailed to: PO Box 55440, Boston, MA 02205-8323. Motion Seconded by Scott Schomber Vote, all in favor, motion unanimously approved. As there was no further business on the agenda, Daniel Gaita made a motion, which was seconded by Daniel Crowell to adjourn the meeting at 11:37 Vote, all in favor, motion unanimously approved. Respectfully Submitted, Daniel R. Gaita, President, Class of 1992 On Jul 10, 2012, at 9:57 AM, Tinty, Beatrice wrote:

The auditor is the one to make the decision and I have no authority to direct him. I have forwarded this email to him. From: Daniel Gaita [mailto:danielgaita@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 10:10 AM To: Tinty, Beatrice Cc: CTFFSPARKY1350@yahoo.com; Timmy Mallette; clarktrumpet2@sbcglobal.net; jandc08@charter.net; Aaronnobel@gmail.com; nmpd426@gmail.com; coach_tonym@yahoo.com; hatcitykeenan@yahoo.com; rachelle.omarra@cartus.com; squirrel270@sbcglobal.net; Maria Kieras; Mario Araya; DANIEL GAITA; threeringrecords@yahoo.com; aschmaling@gmail.com; cosmo8@charter.net; malves@sperryrail.com; daniecaban@gmail.com; DJJG@comcast.net; bobp667@gmail.com; packard51kb@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Final SAF Class Disbursement Directive Ms. Tinity Thank you for the feedback. Who is the auditor and what is his/her email contact? Also, who authorized the initial $500 deposit to be sent to the Banquet hall? I thought you had directed that to happen as per the email below: From: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Subject: RE: Abbott - Class of 92- Final SAF Class Disbursement Directive Date: July 10, 2012 10:21:12 AM EDT To: DANIEL GAITA <danielgaita@comcast.net> Cc: Richard Lemay <Richard.Lemay@ct.gov>

After the payment of $500 the auditor determined that there would be no further disbursements until the class minutes were located. I have copied the auditor on this email. I suggest that you present your opinion in writing. Beatrice A. Tinty, Esquire District Counsel Connecticut Technical High School System 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT 06457 Tele: 860 807 2220 FAX: 860 807 2222 Email: Beatrice.tinty@ct.gov From: DANIEL GAITA <danielgaita@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Abbott - Class of 92- Final SAF Class Disbursement Directive Date: July 10, 2012 10:47:26 AM EDT To: Beatrice Tinty <Beatrice.Tinty@ct.gov> Cc: Richard Lemay <Richard.Lemay@ct.gov>, CTFFSPARKY1350@yahoo.com, Timmy Mallette <tmallette@gmail.com>, clarktrumpet2@sbcglobal.net, jandc08@charter.net, Aaronnobel@gmail.com, nmpd426@gmail.comand 16 more… Mr. Lemay, On Saturday July 14th at 6pm, 1992 graduates from Henry Abbott Tech will come together for our 20th Class reunion. Many are traveling in from around the country and have spent a lot of money on travel and lodging. While in Highschool we trusted our administration with our collected dues. We were kids then. We were promised the money would be there for our reunions. It was there for our 5th year reunion and $500 was provided for our 20th.

We have a remaining balance of $9,241.68 - that we collected, that we paid for, that we trusted you with. We expect those funds back prior to our event on Saturday and per the direction of the minutes of our most recent Special Meeting (minutes are included below) If I/We have to initiate a civil lawsuit to recover our remaining funds we will do so. If we have to file a formal request/complaint for a criminal investigation we shall do so too. Many of us are unemployed. We've got all the time in the world. When we were provided $500 for our 20th reunion down payment, we trusted this issue was resolved and that the balance would be paid upon request. But the recent series of emails cast great doubt upon that conclusion. Please tell me I am reading this wrong. We are being left with no other alternative but to seek legal action to recover our funds. Is this what you are going to force us to do? Regretfully, Dan Gaita President, Class of 1992