The investigation into Findlay First Edition is costing the school district money, but they will not say how much is being spent.

 

District spokesperson Kelly Cheney, says that she is still reviewing questions regarding the sale of services of the third-party investigation team, and how much they expect the district to pay. The district is currently at a $75,000 deficit and may put a levy on the upcoming ballot. They have $1.9 million in relief funds that will run till next September. Cheney has not said if they have added the cost of the investigation to the budget or not. 

 

The third-party team hired was the Educational Services Center of Central Ohio. The teams spokesperson, Joesph Meitz, said that they received no documentation on why they are investigating the choir, but says that the investigation is not free.

 

The district school board held two executive sessions in October and November about incidents that took place in 2019 with choir students. These sessions are closed off from the public, so it’s unclear if a discussion occurred on using a third-party to investigate the choir, and if they held a vote to use them. 

 

They placed Kevin Manley on leave while the investigation continues, but they still allow the choir to perform in the meantime.