Dearest reader,
Step 4 for Fraser Public Schools took me into the 2023–24 check register.
And as always, this is where the ledger starts asking questions.
I am not claiming that any of these payments were improper. A check register tells us who was paid and how much. It does not always tell us what the district received in return.
But some numbers deserve a closer look.
Fraser's identifiable legal spending, after removing the $56,230.53 Miller Canfield payment tied to a capital-project/bond matter, came to:
$87,697.43
That includes payments to Miller Johnson, Miller Canfield for non-bond work, Educators Legal Services, and Clark Hill.
Then there is the media, communications and graphics side of the ledger:
EFFECTV — $25,943.75
Ingalls Pictures, LLC — $24,000.00
Majik Graphics — $30,349.86
21 Century Media — $4,025.75
C & G Newspapers, Inc. — $6,039.00
Those five alone total more than $90,000.
And then we get to the vendors where the check register gives us a name and a dollar amount, but not much explanation:
Thrive Consulting Services LLC — $90,747.62
Relentless Pursuit, LLC — $18,457.50
Josh Shipp Productions, LLC — $11,980.00
Galileo Leadership Consortium — $8,000.00
There are also several sizeable payments made directly to individuals:
Beverly Belzyt — $28,493.75
Marilyn Trent — $13,600.00
Stephen Richard Seward — $12,000.00
Again, none of that proves wrongdoing.
But public money comes with public questions.
What services did Fraser receive?
What portion of this spending was for advertising, communications, consulting, training, public relations, or something else entirely?
Who authorized the spending?
And where are the contracts, invoices, or board materials that explain it?
That is where the next set of receipts comes in.
The ledger does not accuse.
It asks.
With receipts and respect.
Fraser Public Schools
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