Audit to begin into former N. Providence superintendent’s spending

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The North Providence school committee says an audit into former Superintendent Bridget Morisseau’s misuse of a work credit card in the thousands of dollars will begin next week.

"It’s a review of all expenditures with credit cards, as well as any concerns that may arise based on his review of receipts reimbursements," said the committee’s vice-chair Gina Picard.

A lawyer for the school committee confirmed Morisseau racked up all sorts of charges–including $1000 on catering, $500 for airfare for her and her husband, even a $75 pet carrier bought on Amazon.

Residents we spoke to were outraged. 

"I don’t believe it’s done accidentally. I have a personal credit card and a credit card for my job. I don’t accidentally mix them up ever," said Lisa McNally of North Providence. 

"It’s kind of like embezzling the money over there, you know," said Pa Colley of North Providence. "He should return the money if she still has it."

Mayor Charles Lombardi says he’ll see to it that happens. Speaking to us by phone, he added he wants to see the audit move quickly.

"I mean if there’s litigation, if any of the findings have to be turned over to the authorities, so to say, then we have to move forward, and this cannot be delayed or dragged on. That’s not going to happen," said Lombardi. 

Picard is not ruling out the possibility charges could be filed.

"There were procedures put in place, they weren’t followed," said Picard. "At minimum it’s gross mismanagement. At maximum it could be criminal."

We reached out to Morisseau’s lawyer several times for comment, but have not heard back.

Mayor Lombardi says he also has plenty of questions for the school department’s former finance director John McNamee about why this all wasn’t discovered sooner.

Meanwhile the school committee vice chair tells me they will take their time finding a permanent superintendent, and hope to have him or her in place by January or February. 

Robert O’Brien, who formerly worked in Smithfield, is filling in until that time.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018