**Putnam County School District Closes Mileage Reimbursement Investigation After Key Employee Resigns**

The Putnam County School District’s internal investigation into reported mileage reimbursement mishandling concluded this week following the resignation of Thomas Bolling, the assistant superintendent for support services and 30-year district employee. Bolling stepped down Sunday, ending the inquiry before any interviews took place.

The district initiated its review after the Florida Auditor General’s operational audit highlighted mileage discrepancies involving a single employee. According to the audit released on Oct. 29, the unnamed staff member—now identified as Bolling—recorded 31,149 miles in a district vehicle from July 2024 to May 2025. During this period, Bolling also received $6,199 in mileage reimbursement for miles accrued between February 2020 and May 2025.

School board members raised concerns about these figures during their Nov. 18 review of the audit. District officials explained they had started gathering documentation and consulting with an outside investigative firm in response to the findings.

However, the investigation stalled when Bolling “elected to separate from the District before the interview phase could begin,” according to an official district statement. His resignation effectively halted any potential internal disciplinary actions.

**Key Details from the Investigation**

Felicia Cahan, district coordinator of community relations, confirmed in written responses that Bolling was both the employee referenced in the audit and that he repaid the $6,199 prior to his resignation. She clarified that there have been no criminal investigations or charges related to this mileage issue.

Cahan explained that the outside investigative firm did not issue recommendations since the review ended abruptly, preventing fact-finding interviews and conclusions. The district officially closed the investigation upon Bolling’s departure, but emphasized that this closure does not mean reforms are off the table.

Instead, the district plans to use the audit’s findings as a catalyst for broader procedural changes. Supervisors must now more closely monitor mileage submissions, ensuring employees assigned district vehicles do not also claim mileage reimbursement for district business conducted in those vehicles. The Finance Department has begun regular reviews of reimbursement submissions to verify compliance.

**New Oversight Procedures Implemented**

Superintendent Rick Surrency had approved Bolling’s travel documents. As part of new oversight measures, the Transportation Department will perform quarterly reviews of fuel records, odometer readings, and vehicle-use logs, confirming vehicles are used only for legitimate district purposes.

Employees permitted to take district vehicles home must now maintain daily mileage records, documenting the date, distance, and purpose of each trip. Internal audit results will be forwarded to the superintendent or a designee responsible for correcting discrepancies and ensuring adherence to state and board policies.

Additionally, the district will conduct comprehensive annual reviews of all vehicle assignments to ensure alignment with employee duties and continued necessity. Transportation staff will inspect vehicles every six months for operability and cost-effectiveness, with fleet vehicles deemed unnecessary sold through public auction. All documentation related to approvals, inspections, and vehicle disposition will be archived for long-term accountability and transparency.

**Board Responds to Audit Findings**

During the Nov. 18 school board meeting, Chairman Phil Leary highlighted the mileage discrepancy as a clear need for stronger oversight. Board members approved a new requirement that all permanently assigned vehicles receive school board approval and cannot be used for personal purposes. The board also supported installing GPS tracking devices on all district vehicles.

“You can’t put 31,000 miles on a vehicle and not have proper records,” Leary said.

Several residents attending the meeting criticized the district’s internal controls and urged tighter financial management. Crescent City resident Diane Kelley described the audit as revealing “systemic controllership challenges” across multiple departments, warning these deficiencies could cost taxpayers significant money if not corrected. Board members agreed immediate improvements are needed, emphasizing that district policies must be strong, transparent, and consistently enforced.

**Aftermath and Next Steps**

Bolling, who had worked for the district since 1995 as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, and eventually associate superintendent, was earning $138,600 at the time of his resignation. He had overseen transportation, maintenance, and construction management. Cahan stated Bolling remains eligible for Florida Retirement System benefits, and his eligibility would not have changed if disciplinary action had proceeded.

Bolling’s abrupt departure leaves his position vacant as the district addresses the audit’s 12 findings. For now, the district will not fill the associate superintendent role, but will instead redistribute responsibilities to other assistant superintendents. A revised organizational chart will go before the school board on Dec. 16.

Investigation documents will be added to Bolling’s personnel file and become public record on Dec. 11. Mileage records, travel forms, and vehicle logs cited in the audit are also available to the public.

The Putnam County School District is required to submit a formal corrective action plan to the Florida Auditor General within 30 days of the audit’s release.

Superintendent Rick Surrency reaffirmed the district’s commitment to strengthening internal controls and ensuring long-term improvement. “We remain committed to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” he said.

Board members agreed that while identifying problems is an important first step, permanent oversight and policy enforcement must follow to protect taxpayer interests and restore public confidence.
https://www.palatkadailynews.com/local-news/high-ranking-school-district-official-resigns