The Tecumseh Local School Board released the following statement on Thursday, September 3:

Investigation Regarding Misconduct Of Brad Martin

Now it is obvious that former Superintendent Brad Martin engaged in many, many deceptions, lies, thefts, manipulation, and actions to cover up theft. He raided cash accounts of various collections for donations, silent auction funds, and petty cash for athletic events, etc. However, Mr. Martin always had an explanation for things that happened -- he informed subordinate employees that someone else was to blame, that he had it taken care of, or he was working on it. Many times, he pressured and directed subordinate employees not to report irregularities, not to report iPads as not being produced, or not to tell another employee or the Treasurer about irregularities. Employees were often not aware that a theft had been committed because of his lies. In short, he used lies, intimidation, and bullying to avoid being discovered. Even when inconsistencies arose, subordinate employees were afraid for their jobs. After all, he was their boss.

No one reported to the district office or to the Treasurer or her office any missing district funds, until after Mr. Martin was placed on leave. However, there was a report of a petty cash fund missing $175 in the summer/fall of 2014, and when questioned by Treasurer Schock, Mr. Martin denied that he knew a petty cash fund existed. It took the Treasurer and the Assistant Superintendent going to the Board on December 16, 2014 with their concerns: iPads had not been produced after repeated requests and emails, and there were concerns about Craft Show funds and inconsistencies in Mr. Martin’s representations. The Board immediately placed Mr. Martin on leave pending investigation. Once Mr. Martin was placed on leave by the Board, the stories and reports came rolling in.

For example, after Mr. Martin was placed on leave, the Athletic Director realized that Mr. Martin had not been honest with him about missing funds that Mr. Martin was “taking care of.” Principals realized they had been lied to about needing funds from various school support groups for iPads, and they realized there were check irregularities.

Various individuals related similar stories. They found funds short or missing, but on some occasions the employees thought there were mistakes, or they doubted themselves or their calculations. On several occasions the missing funds were explained by Mr. Martin. At times, Mr. Martin directed employees not to make a report about irregularities or about iPads that had not been produced.

Clearly, Mr. Martin’s web of lies and manipulation extended to bullying and intimidation of employees to cover his thefts. There was no cover-up by any employee of the Tecumseh Local School District, including the Board of Education, with the lone exception being Mr. Martin. The facts are that Mr. Martin was a master at cover up and that is why it took time to unravel his web of deception and intimidation.

It has often been said that hindsight is 20/20, and that is exactly where we are today. Faithful employees, administrators, and district officials came forward in good faith and brought all of their concerns to light once they understood what was occurring. Those people who came forward must not now be blamed that somehow they did not do enough soon enough. That would be to blame the victims – and that is not where the blame should be placed.

The district has taken the following steps as a result of Mr. Martin’s misconduct. The high school safes have been moved all to one area where a camera can monitor access. Keys to rooms where a district safe is located have limited access. Athletic funds are locked in drawers and have been re-keyed. Market Day funds were moved into a board account from a booster group account. All of the locks in all district buildings have been replaced, granting the district a more secure level of control. Keys to principals’ offices and rooms with safes in them are strictly limited. The district modified its mileage form to make it more detailed.

District employees are now on high alert after experiencing the deception, theft, and betrayal of trust by Mr. Martin. Many district employees were impacted immeasurably by his actions. It is now time to begin the healing process, move the district forward, and to re-focus on the education of our students.

 Given that several people had keys to the district office, the Treasurer replaced the $175 with her own funds and abolished use of a petty cash fund.