Girard School Board admits responsibility for treasurer's dramatic pay hike

The Girard City School Board president responded to 21 News in a follow-up to our Thursday Watch Dog story on a new state audit that showed the district's former treasurer has received more than $900,000 in compensation for his work for the district for school year 2023 and 2024, after language in his contract was changed and approved by the board.

An emailed response from Board President Vincent Ragozine stated, "The board has acknowledged its responsibility in this matter, and that has been shared in previous communications. We have made all necessary corrective actions, as outlined in previous communications."

21 News was the first to report in a Watchdog Report in 2024 that Bello was paid $461,187 for the fiscal year 2023, which included a base salary of $118,078, but also included an additional $325,918 because, at the time the school board approved a new contract for Bello, a key line was changed. 

The change in Bello's contract was from allowing him to receive 2.5 percent of any grants he brought into the district, to saying that Bello would receive one percent of "all federal, state, and local grants and certain other revenues received by the district."

The change in the contract, which was approved by the board, allowed Bello's salary to increase dramatically. 

Bello resigned in June 2024, following the release of this information. 

In addition to the 2.5 percent stipend, he also received a $5,750 car allowance and an $11,146 leave balance payout. The district also paid his pension contribution, which exceeded $30,000.

Board president closed his email response to 21 News stating, "We will have no further comment pertaining to this matter."

The district submitted a media release that stated, "Mr. Bello did not receive any compensation from the district beyond his final paycheck in June 2024."

The release added, "The district remains committed to transparency and integrity, with strengthened processes to ensure responsible financial oversight and to rebuild trust with our community."

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