Stanwood schools’ budget director quits amid money woes

By Brian Kelly

Herald Writer

STANWOOD — Cathy Bradshaw, the budget director for the financially troubled Stanwood-Camano School District, has resigned.

Bradshaw took medical leave from the district Aug. 9, just before "budget discrepancies" were made public that resulted in $1.4 million in budget cuts and the layoff of 42 employees.

Bradshaw submitted a letter of resignation to the district with an effective date of Sept. 28, said district superintendent Jean Shumate. She declined to release the letter or talk about its contents prior to receiving advice from the school district’s attorney.

The budget director’s resignation was not anticipated, Shumate said.

"Up to that point we did not have any indication she would be doing that," Shumate said.

District officials have previously said there were no signs of wrongdoing or fraud that led to the budget problems. The district has since hired financial consultant John Jenft to investigate how the budget crisis occurred and serve as interim budget director.

Jenft will stay on board until a new budget director is found. A search may start sometime this winter, Shumate said.

Meanwhile, the district’s financial footing has improved since August. The district’s reserve account has approximately $43,000 more than the last forecast predicted. Details about the improved finances were not available Tuesday.

"Things have stabilized and we are heading in the right direction," Shumate said.

Bradshaw is not entitled to a severance package, but will be paid for any unused vacation days up to 30 days, Shumate said, which is required under state law.

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