KSP investigating after Bullitt Central Booster Club money comes up missing

LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) -- Thousands of dollars are missing from Bullitt Central High School's Booster Club, according to some parents.

The booster club is made up of dues-paying parents of student athletes. The club raises money year round to support nine sports teams.

The booster club and the high school are separate entities, Bullitt Central High School principal Erik Huber said. The high school has no authority over or access to the club's finances. But Huber said, "at any given point," there could be $40,000 to $60,000 in this booster club's bank account.

Huber said that account is now frozen and under investigation. Booster club members came to him in September, concerned that money could be missing. Parents have said it could be around $20,000, but Huber said specific dollar amounts were not discussed with his when this was brought up in September.

"It was simply that, hey, we went to bay a bill, and the money wasn't there," said Huber, recalling that initial conversation. "We're concerned that money is missing."

Huber suggested the members turn everything over to an outside auditor to double check.

"That auditor recommended they turn it over to Kentucky State Police," he said. "So it's now in their hands."

KSP detectives confirm they launched an investigation in early October. Investigators are looking into potentially thousands of dollars lost, but they could say exactly how much money. Huber said it is his understanding the investigation centers on the bank account and not a specific person at this time.

Once this came to light, the club members elected a new president and officers and started a new account. The board is also better documenting its meeting minutes, monitoring funds and building a public website, Huber said.

"I'm proud of our booster club," he said. "They really had no obligation to come to me and say, 'Hey, this is going on.' But they did."

The booster club is raising new funds to support the sports programs, but in the meantime, the high school is helping cover costs with its own funds.

"We made sure we put the things in place so their seasons were not impacted," Huber said. "All of them are going forward and doing what they need to do. All of our kids are getting the opportunity to compete just like they would any other year."

Huber said the situation is disappointing, because he does not want it to reflect poorly on the student athletes.

Investigators are waiting on results from forensic accountants on the financial records. KSP said the investigation is expected to be finished soon.

A school calendar says there is a Booster Club meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Bullitt Central High School.