SSCC breaks ties with AD
According to a news release issued by the college in response to a request for information by the Highland County Press, Winner was placed on administrative leave Wednesday, March 10, after allegedly being found in violation of a college policy regarding funds received.
The decision stemmed from an internal investigation regarding procedures for handling and depositing monies received during an athletic event held at the Patriot Center earlier in the year. The college’s Policy and Information Manual states that “all funds must be deposited with the treasurer within 24 hours of receipt."
“This policy is in place to protect the fiscal integrity of the college, as well as to protect employees who handle funds on behalf of the college,” said SSCC President Dr. Kevin Boys.
When contacted by The Highland County Press, Winner said, "It is what it is, and the trustees have a right to do what they want to do."
The SSCC Board of Trustees has taken no action on the matter. The trustees are scheduled to meet again on April 14.
"On Jan. 2, Southern State hosted and sponsored the SHL/SCOL Challenge between six local high schools," said Mindy Markey, director of human resources at Southern State. "It was publicized that the event was being sponsored and hosted by the college. In Jim Winner's capacity as athletic director, he took care of the event in terms of outlining the schedule, cost of admission, and even publicized to schools that he was the host along with Southern State.
"The event was planned so that three of the local schools would serve as the home team and would split the gate receipts after all costs. It is estimated the gate sales were approximately $5,700. After the event, three of the local high schools reported to the college that they did not receive their gate receipts in a timely manner, and they received their (portion) in cash rather than a check issued by Southern State," Markey said. "After receiving an expense report submitted by Mr. Winner, the college learned that personnel working the event were paid in cash rather than a check. Failing to properly deposit cash is a violation of policy."
Markey said that college policy states that all cash received must be deposited with the treasurer within 24 hours of receipt.
"We have that policy in place in order to protect the fiscal integrity of the college as well as employees who handle funds on behalf of the college," Markey said. "It is important to let the public know all monies collected are properly accounted for."
The Ohio Attorney General's Office had been consulted by the college in an advisory capacity, according to Markey, who said "it is a fairly straightforward matter to investigate.