Dr. Trent Admits Arizona Attorney General Is Investigating Him 6-21-10
Copy of Letter from Dr. Trent to School Board
A public records request to the Globe School District has revealed a significant development in the ongoing district investigation on the professional conduct of Globe School Superintendent Dr. Trent. In June of last year Dr. Trent and District Transportation director John Marquez were put on paid home assignment pending the outcome of a special audit into their actions and practices as school administrators. The audit that was made public in March of this year amounted to 238 pages of alleged violations of federal, state, and district laws and policies. Since, private discussions have continued between the School District’s legal council, and Trent and Marquez’s Lawyers. The implications of the audit results allege that Trent’s procurement practices constitute defrauding of the school district and of the tax payers.
The latest chapter revolves around a letter written by Dr. Trent and sent to Dr. Ron Nelson, Globe School District’s Chief Administrative Officer. The title of the letter says, “Contractual Obligations to Defend and Indemnify”. Dr. Trent says in the letter that his contract with the district requires them to pay for him an attorney of his choice to represent him, or to reimburse him for his attorney expenses. In his request for this service, Dr. Trent reveals that he is being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General’s office. Trent says the investigation is concerning the district procurement issues alleged in the audit report.
In the letter Trent says, “I am requesting that Globe Unified School District defend me during the Arizona Attorney General’s investigation.” He says that his contract requires them to defend him against legal proceedings brought against him in his individual or official capacity while acting within the scope and course of his employment.
Trent’s letter also says that other district employees are also likely targets of the Attorney General’s investigation. It does not specify whether he is referring to John Marquez or other alleged associates hired by him while serving as Superintendent.
School District officials have announced that the special meeting scheduled for Tuesday at High Desert Middle School has been temporarily postponed. The meeting was a special executive session for the School Board to meet and receive legal advice from their legal council. Afterward, public action was to be taken. District officials say that the meeting has been temporarily postponed due to receiving the new information contained in this letter.
Rumors have indicated that the district is prepared to prefer 50 to 75 charges against Dr. Trent. Those rumors have not yet been confirmed.
The regular meeting for Wednesday, June 23, is still scheduled to take place at the Rose Moffard Activity Center.