The in-house review and the one conducted by Warner and Thompson showed virtually the same findings--that Perry had been overpaid $18,000 in salary and $3,000 in retirement benefits.
While they were successful in surfacing the issue, Warner said he was still upset that the matter could--and should--have been resolved in January, 1989.
"It bothers us that two directors took such a cavalier attitude toward the problem when it was initially discovered," Warner said. "They were told about it, but they didn't follow up on it. That's the wrong way for them to approach their duties and responsibilities as directors."
Board members said they were shocked to learn how much Perry had been overpaid, and some said Perry himself expressed surprise.
"John was just as surprised as everyone else when the accountant determined how much was overpaid," LaBarge said. "He was absolutely amazed. I'm sure he didn't realize the extent of it. I buy that. I may be naive, but I buy that."
Perry repaid the money--with interest--a couple of weeks ago, but his apparent indifference to the whole situation still nagged at board members, some said.
On Wednesday, they gathered behind closed doors and told Perry to quit or be fired. He quit, ending more than five years' service with the district.
