EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — An El Paso ISD audit found serious financial and oversight problems in the Andress High School band program, including allegations that district purchasing rules were bypassed and that the school’s principal did not provide sufficient oversight.
According to the audit, former band director Manuel Talamantes went against district policy by using personal credit cards to front between $20,000 and $25,000 for band expenses and equipment. Talamantes told investigators he did so because the band did not have enough money at the time he needed to order equipment.
Talamantes told investigators he was later reimbursed about $24,000 by the band boosters. However, the district could not verify those payments because the booster club is an outside organization.
The review also examined whether Talamantes misappropriated money he collected from students. Auditors found insufficient evidence to determine whether that happened and said they could not reconcile the cash without access to the booster’s records.
The audit states that assistant directors and the booster club bypassed district purchasing rules.
Talamantes left the district on June 5. According to the Texas Education Agency, Talamantes is currently under review.
Auditors recommended increased financial oversight, staff training and a complete inventory of the band program.
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