WPSD Forensic Audit/CFO Reports

Michael Perini wrote the guest column praising Merit because in March 25 his PR firm was hired to provide “a strong messaging and marketing strategy” for Merit for a monthly fee.

His statements however don’t correspond with the forensic auditor’s contract and the report at the 12/10/24 Board meeting. This auditor was hired to look at the District’s finances specifically. That contract needs to be amended for them to be able to contact Merit to review the questionable findings.

One example in the report is $270,000 of ESSER funds that Merit received by the District. It is not identified how this was allocated or spent. There are compliance requirements for these federal grants. Merit’s administration attended an workshop in 2023 on ESSER funds so they should know documentation requirements.

More disturbing were CFO David Kuritar’s comments. Merit originally paid the District their share of administrative costs (up to 5% allowed by law) of approximately $220,000. No amount has been paid for two years. He stated he was familiar with Merit’s finances and they wouldn’t have the cash to pay it even if payment was demanded. We were warned in May 2022. The Charter School Financial Review showed red flags. One was Merit’s expenditures could outpace revenue growth and two, reserve funds covered 2.97 weeks when at least 12 weeks were recommended.

Charter schools can be a valuable asset to a community but they need to be financially stable and ethically managed on a long term basis.

Gail Gerig, Woodland Park

New year, shared journey

As we step into 2026, I find myself reflecting on just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated business community.

Being a business owner is not easy—there are long days, tough decisions, and moments that test your resolve. Yet, day after day, you continue to show up with resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to this community. That matters more than you may realize.

A new year brings a fresh sense of possibility. It is a chance to build on what is working, learn from what did not, and move forward with renewed purpose. When we stay connected, support one another, and work together, we create something far greater than any one business can do alone.

I am incredibly grateful for your trust in the Chamber and for the role you play in strengthening our local economy. As we move through 2026, I encourage you to stay engaged, stay connected, and take part in the conversations and opportunities that help our businesses—and our community—grow. I look forward to walking alongside you in the year ahead—celebrating successes, navigating challenges, and continuing to build a vibrant, thriving community together.

Debbie Miller, President GWPCC

Current pleasantries

Vice-President Vance, Sec. of War Hegseth, and other high-ranking officials of this administration keep telling us that if we don’t know what is going on by now we should be ashamed of ourselves and who can argue with that? ICE will keep us safe and keep violence off of our streets by 15,000%.

They should wear brown shirts. And the ‘Don-roe’ doctrine will impose our will and keep in line our allies, er ally, oh never mind. I believe they have removed the worst thirty million non-whites and free thinkers from America. Heil! Obama’s birth certificate is a fake! Watch only the news that says what you and our elected leader like; 787 million dollars paid for lying to us is chicken feed to what they can extract from us. Everybody ‘else’ is lying.

It is a good thing we did not elect that educated woman. She might have brought war or caused problems. Truth is the measure of all things, what could possibly go rong? Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country and planet. I regret that we have only one

life to give. We have nothing to fear but authoritarian regimes. So there liberals, get in the cliché. Americans are certainly exceptional, and other things too. I know the course others may take, but give me liberty or get lost.

Richard Allee, Florissant