"A $160 birthday cake that former Las Lomitas School District Superintendent Beth Polito charged to a district credit card in August 2022 is one example of a potentially inappropriate gift of public funds identified in a new audit. Polito charged an additional $4,039 to the district card for retirement parties and $325 for gift cards, according to the audit, which was commissioned by the San Mateo County Office of Education. The gift cards were to thank maintenance crews for moving classrooms, the audit said."
"The auditors found insufficient evidence to indicate that fraud, misappropriation of funds or other illegal fiscal practices occurred during a 33-month review period. But the district's record-keeping for credit card purchases is lacking, the audit said, increasing the chances that fraud could occur. The Las Lomitas school board will hear a presentation on the audit on Wednesday. The school board has 15 days to respond with an action plan."
A state-conducted audit identified multiple credit card charges by former Las Lomitas School District Superintendent Beth Polito, including a $160 birthday cake, $4,039 for retirement parties and $325 for gift cards. The gift cards were used to thank maintenance crews for moving classrooms. The audit reviewed 504 transactions totaling $201,956 over July 1, 2022–March 31, 2025 and sampled other employees' charges. Auditors found insufficient evidence of fraud or misappropriation but flagged weak credit card record-keeping that increases fraud risk. The school board revoked Polito's district credit cards, will receive an audit presentation and has 15 days to issue an action plan. The county district attorney is reviewing the audit.
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