The State Auditor’s Office is investigating the Oakville School District for suspected embezzlement.

As many as four employees are believed to have been involved. School district Superintendent Rich Staley declined to comment on any employee discipline that may have resulted.

“We’re waiting for the state Auditor’s Office to finish their report at this point,” Staley said.

Staley also could not provide an estimated amount of funds that were allegedly embezzled, again noting that the district is waiting for the investigation to finish.

Late last year, the school district posted an announcement to its webpage. That announcement has been updated as information has become available. As of Feb. 27 the statement reads:

“In early November, the business office developed concerns about our financial records, specifically related to various individual compensation issues, and as a result took immediate action. Due to the nature of the concerns, the district was obligated to call the Gray’s Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, State Auditor, and Clear Solutions (our risk management contractor) (and did so) and have stayed in contact with all three.

“The district has not had a complete state audit on its compensation records and practices in several audit cycles. For those reasons the superintendent has asked the State Auditor’s Office to conduct an inquiry. The auditor’s office has agreed and a team has been in the district since Jan. 3, 2018.

“In the meantime, district administrators have taken appropriate steps to permit a thorough investigation into the concerns and secure public resources. To the extent that we can, consistent with good investigatory practices, we are committed to keeping the Oakville school community and larger community informed of the progress of this work.

“At this time we cannot provide more detail.

“We take seriously our stewardship of public resources and look forward to the conclusion of the auditor’s investigation, so that we can take any necessary steps to protect the district and merit the community’s trust.”

The statement includes contact information for Staley and is signed by the Oakville School Board.

A public records request filed by The Vidette with the school district last week had not been filled.