The Apple Leaf has obtained a letter from the State Auditor’s office regarding unapproved ASB spending by the athletic department and wrongful operation of booster club concession stands.

The letter indicates that too many students were running the stands, and therefore, the funds should go to the ASB account associated with the athletic department. Instead, the funds were going into the booster club accounts associated with each individual sport, Athletic Director BJ Kuntz said.

A credit from Nike of $5,819 was spent by the athletic department without first getting approval by the ASB, as required per district policy.

“We recommend the District monitor the Athletic Department to ensure it operates within its authority and according to District policies,” the letter says.

Kuntz said that the district no longer receives credits from the company, although many other districts do.

The management letter was a “mid-level of concern,” Washington State Audit Manager Juan Esparza said. The letter is between the level of a recommendation and finding, which are the lowest and highest levels of action taken by the State Auditor.

Wenatchee Superintendent Brian Flones said that the letter from the auditor had nothing to do with Kuntz’s transfer. A copy of the letter was given to The Apple Leaf by an anonymous source. “That’s probably somebody trying to create a conspiracy,” Flones said.

School districts are required to be audited once a year. The letter, dated April 30, 2013, was addressed to the school board. Flones said that corrective action has been taken since the letter was issued.

Wenatchee School District is currently being audited on schedule. The auditors are following up on the issues noted in the letter, and the current audit is expected to conclude on April 11, Esparza said