Montgomery County police are investigating allegations of “financial improprieties” in the public school system’s Department of Transportation, according to Montgomery County Public Schools.
Department Director Todd Watkins and Assistant Director Charles Ewald have been placed on administrative leave, according to district spokesman Chris Cram.
In a statement to Bethesda Beat on Tuesday morning, MCPS wrote that it is not able to share additional details “while the investigation is proceeding.”
The statement did not say what the allegations are, who made them, or when they were made. It also does not say who within the district’s Department of Transportation was allegedly involved.
Cram said in an interview that the allegations were made last week and immediately reported to the police.
The statement said that Michael Lewis will take over as acting director of the department and Kathy Herald will serve as acting assistant director.
“MCPS is committed to fully supporting and understanding all aspects of this investigation; based on what we learn, we will determine next steps,” the statement said.
“Students are our first priority, so it is important to note that the safe transportation of students to and from school each day will not be impacted,” the statement said.
Cram declined to comment further on Monday, citing the ongoing police investigation. But, he said MCPS will “share more” in the coming weeks.
“It’s also fair to say that in the coming weeks, as the investigation matures, we will certainly have more on this,” Cram said. “But, right now, for today, for the integrity of the investigation we can’t say more.”
A spokesman for the Montgomery County police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media