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Joe Wiley Lawsuit Update - 7/28/2008
By Tyson Wynn | July 28, 2008 | Print This Post
I’ve been busy with other things and unable to update the progress of the wrongful termination lawsuit brought by Marilyn Goff against Rogers State University (Former) President Joe Wiley, Sheree Hukill, and the O.U. Regents with the regularity I would have liked.
To get up to speed, you can read my previous posts regarding the lawsuit.
- RSU/FHU President Joe Wiley Sued for Wrongful Termination (Again!)
- Joe Wiley Lawsuit Update
- Court Documents for Goff v. Hukill, Wiley, et. al.
- Judge: Wiley’s Previous Evasion of Service Not Pertinent in Current Case
Since I last reported on the case, there have been a few things happen and a few documents filed. For the list of and PDF access to the documents filed, visit my Goff v. Wiley page (it has now been updated to reflect the date of filing for each document).
Now for the news: There was a settlement conference between the parties that did not go very well, according to WynnBlog sources. What I can say is that there has not yet been a settlement reached according to court filings.
In other news, the RSU crowd has moved the court to stay the proceedings until O.U. attorney Steve Ashmore can return from Iraq, where he is serving with the military. His return is estimated by O.U. to be November 2008. Goff opposes this delay and has filed a motion to that effect. O.U. moved to strike this motion because it was filed three days late. Goff opposes striking the motion, and has filed a motion to that effect, stating that he was late filing because his office was flooded. The judge denied O.U.’s motion to strike. He as not yet ruled on whether the case should be stayed until Mr. Ashmore returns.
That’s about it for now. I’ll post periodic updates.
Topics: Joe Wiley, Legal, News, Oklahoma, RSU, University of Oklahoma |
July 30th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Mr. Wynn is there any way to get the response from RSU to the Department of Ed report on TRiO? We understand you may be able to get it? There are so many things hinged on it. Why has it taken 4 months?
July 31st, 2008 at 3:33 am
The request has been made.
July 31st, 2008 at 4:36 am
Ms. Goff received 2 letters from the EEOC people that were supposed to be “mediating” between Goff and RSU. The verbiage was a complete joke. The woman leading the mediation completely had no logical understanding of the situation and was headshakingly concentrating on “he said” “she said” things that weren’t a part of the issue. This EEOC woman appears to have been “hurt” because Goff would not give in. That is really, really sad folks. Goff has been out of a job for 9 months.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:58 am
Attention anyone who has information that may be helpful to the Office of the Inspector General regarding the Bit-By-Bit Program, travel vouchers for RSU employees, TRiO Federal Programs, RSU Foundation, please contact the office of the OIG, Agent Sanchez. Individuals who have additional
information, which they wish to submit for review, should send the information
directly to the ASAC in Dallas. I have provided his name and address
below.
Neil Sanchez
ASAC, Office of Inspector General
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1440
Dallas, TX 75201-6817
If you need additional assistance, please feel free to phone our
regional office in Dallas on 214-661-9530.
Sincerely,
Inspector General’s
Hotline/cjd
ED/12217-08
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
We tried through all the proper channels to get our hands on the Dept of Ed report concerning RSU. The request was blocked thwarted and delayed. We don’t know how you go it but, thank God you did. Now, concerning RSU’s reply…that will be another matter altogether. Perhaps Tom Cole, if contacted directly by enough people, or Larry Rice himself would be willing to get that out if they thought it was going to cost them something. I for one am sick to death of having to go through a wall of muck to get the right thing done when it comes to RSU. If Larry Rice doesn’t do better than he has the first month of his tenure, he has a rockie road ahead of him and it ain’t all marshmallows! Is Larry Rice hiding under his desk! helllloooooooo Larry are you in there somewhere or is the ghost of Wiley still hanging on in Volturo’s office under the desk with Linda Andrews? What’s going on under there Linda and Tom?
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
What about Tom volturo. Seems he is way, way too close to this mess. It is a mess you know. Seems like just a replay of the stuff that happened in Durant when Hibbs went to Jail, right down to the funneling money creatively through the Foundation. It sure seems like they have a cozy little arrangment going on here. From what we can see on the inside it looks like Wiley starts “layering” people and gives them a little “title” of somekind, then they serve as the gatekeepers…people like Linda Andrews, it was Sheree Hukill in TRio but, she’s gone and everyone answers to Linda Andrews. Who is the new VP of Academics? Seems he’s been there a while and it has not been announced to staff…does anyone believe that is interesting. It’s another of those “RSU” things… Who is the new guy? Does anyone know? Staff has not even been told his name!
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
In case there is any doubt, Tom Volturo is the MAN with the plan. The women are just “lookin for luv in all the wrong places.” Women like Andrews and Sheree Hukill are forelorn, troubled, “sensitive” and unlucky in love…Joe Wiley to the rescue. Somebody said “useful idiots!” Anybody know what that refers to? The phrase has an interesting history…check it out. While you are at it…check out why there is no HR department except one little “gal” that is directed by Tom Volturo. “Useful idiots?”
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Some silly women get mad at some other woman they don’t like and the stuff starts. She’s crazy, she can’t get along with anybody, she is demeaning, she’s abusive, she’s this and that and worse and the worse offense of all…she got the job I should have got or she got more of a raise than I got.
It goes on and on and on and “it” is encouraged by the fact that there is no real HR department at RSU. And furthermore, people like Linda Andrews “handles” things out of her arrogant belief that she is capable of that…and her degree is in what? so, Tom Volturo is the HEAD of all the moves at RSU. Get over it. It ain’t gonna get cleared up as long as Volturo and Linda Andrews are telling Rice what to do.
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
If people would just do what they are told and not ask questions about things like vouchers, invoices, checks being endorsed by secretaries, people with no legal authority blocking contact with people who actually do have legal authority from doing what they need to do. If you aren’t one of “the people” you can’t get anything done at all…just sign the stuff, OK the pos and keep your mouth shut. Right Rhonda?
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
does anyone have information about the financial aid office and the work study funds? We heard something about that but have no proof. The Financial Aid guy is close to Volturo so we figure there is no info to be gained there. Just wondering?
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
It looks like RSU has instituted a new policy of granting severance pay to employees who resign. Penny Pricer was paid double for her last month of employment, and Hukill was paid all the way through June 30. Nice work, if you can get.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Something about TRiO just rolling in my mind. RSU is a bugger when it comes to dirty tricks. Most grants have a clause in personnel contracts that say if funds are not forthcoming from DOE then personnel are out of a job. Does that sound like something anyone should be worried about? For one thing, the Student Support Services grant is due to be renewed for another 5 years, if the grant that Sara Schoenefeld is supposed to be working on???? Now, That is problematic right there since she has expressed a “concern” about its value. If the grants are lost or the offer of any grant is declined by the University, all associated personnel are without jobs and the University is without liability. This school is not above it folks, not above it at all.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Could the Upward Bound Environmental Math and Science grant have been lost on purpose? Hukill appealed the “de-funding” decision, but when Wiley had to get on board with it, the appeal was dropped. Her salary was supposed to be paid in equal parts from all five grants, but when UBMS was lost, neither her salary or any of the salaries of those performing duties for that program (think Rhonda and Rennah) were reduced by one cent. I think they even got raises. Maybe the goal all along was to rid RSU of those pesky disadvantaged youth the grants were established to help. And if any conscientious, ethical employees get hurt as a result, so much the better. No, they’re not above it.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Couldn’t have said it better myself! Wiley gave Rice and Linda Andrews the LOW DOWN before they sent Sara Schoenefeld in there. She knows nothing about TRiO and is only there to do a clean up job. Honestly, I think she is only checking out who will be placed elsewhere in the University when the grants are let go. As one other writer has said, the University has no obligation to TRiO personnel whatsoever if they don’t accept grant funding. TRiO has been hard for them to get their grubby paws on all along. Face it and face it hard. Wylie and Volturo are crooks. They are good at it and have set people up for way more than we know about. They don’t care about the bottom line either because it’s now on Rice’s watch. It’s over folks. it’s over for TRiO. Brock was right, bail while you can.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
From the “girls” of RSU SAVE TRIO!
we may not “git ‘er done!” but Tyson is the one!
Tyson we luv you and it for shur
You are the best for corruption THE CURE!
GO TYSON…YOU DA MAN!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
My poetry stinks but…makes good points me thinks!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:24 am
I have learned that in the TRiO programs, Sara Schoenefeld believes she is responsible for the money and she is acting accordingly. She is trying to “conserve” the grant funds. Isn’t that nice.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Volturo and Linda Andrews have a lot to answer for. Linda Andrews is a dupe so don’t bother asking. Volturo has lots of answers but while you are asking, don’t let the Financial Aid guy slip through the cracks. This turkey is another “useful idiot” Has anybody bothered to look up inference on this? Volturo and Wiley always have a fall guy that takes the wrap when the fudge hits the fridge. Prediction: Steckman, Andrews, Meadors will come under some heat and pretty quickly. God Bless America and God bless them. Volturo will never take the wrap.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Somebody needs to check some stuff out about the way money is moved around. Honestly people. This is really FRIGHTENING. How much is out of stupidity? ignorance, hatefulness? Who knows? Who cares? TRiO is history at RSU. Bank on it. Get out while you can. The people at the top are too ignorant and too stupid and it will take waaaaay too long to explain it to them. All of you will go by the wayside and they will feel they did a good job cleaning things up after you are gone. They will pat themselves on the back and continue to draw their big checks. You will be drawing unemployment and looking for work.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Has anyone checked out the website that reveals salaries and compensation paid to state employees? There is more than one interesting post there.
An interesting thing is going on in TRiO…DUH..we knew that? There is a “shadow” operation where Rennah Robinson and Dorothy Mullis and Tricia Philpott move money as they deem appropriate. They don’t trust Collier so they make sure she doesn’t get her paws on any cash. Schoenefeld says this is at her “behest” I’d like to know who “behested” Schoenefeld. As long as these women are running the show and as long as they believe they are justified and doing God’s work…TRiO is flushed folks. Get out while you can
August 6th, 2008 at 10:16 am
We will never forget you either, Puddy Boy, and how Tweety Boy pwotected you, you chip off the good old block. Just when I thought you were good for nothing, I remembered sitting in your office, listening as you tried to mimic Joe Wiley saying Sheree Hukill’s name, heewareweous. A laugh, that’s all you’re good for.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:53 am
We are hearing that Joe Wiley is still playing puppet master for Linda Andrews…hmmm…what’s with that relationship? Linda better wake up and smell the coffee. Some people don’t even know when they are being played. it’s so hideously awful.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Yes, more than likely those women will take the fall. Isn’t that what they’re being paid for? Why else would a person with only a GED or just a high school diploma be making more than a person with a college degree?
August 8th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Does anyone really Know what is going on with the Bit By Bit program and staff or the caretaker Tommy Wiley? A dear friend of mine was fired from there and RSU likes to tell everyone she quit. She was offered $5,000 if she would sign a gag order(sound familiar).
Does anyone know why when Tommy left the heat off in the mobile trailer sitting on the Equine Center property the water pipes froze and burst, one plummer, Joe Wiley, Tom Vuturo, and the Equine facility director(Pam) were the only ones present clean up the mess?He still lives there and has a job doesn’t he? What is the point of having a caretaker if the maintenance crew from RSU has to come out and do all the groundskeeping. I’ll bet the next caretaker dosen’t have all that freedom.
August 8th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
If anyoneone knows how Joe Wiley responded to the Department of Education concerning the seven findings of non-compliance with the federal regulations that govern TRIO programs, he or she is not talking. What we do know is this:
1) When Hukill first started restructuring Special Programs and making key personnel changes without prior notification to the DOE, we (some of the 47.3% of us who don’t work there anymore) tried to tell her she couldn’t do that. She said she could do anything she wanted, so we told Turner, but mush-for-brains refused to acknowledge us, so we followed the chain of command, obeyed the policies and procedures manual, and took it to Wiley, who also ignored us. Now RSU TRIO is forbidden from making personnel changes unless the DOE grants permission first. They can’t fire Collier, so they’re trying to run her off, and failing that, it seems they’ve gone after her by other means.
2) We also told Wiley that Penny Pricer’s only qualification for TRIO employment was her friendship with Hukill, but again he ignored us.
3) Hukill got caught in a flat-out lie to federal officials about giving Pricer a raise she wasn’t entitled to. DOE insisted her salary be adjusted, but that didn’t happen, Instead, Pricer was paid for an extra month with the raise she shouldn’t have gotten. At best, this means an unqualified friend of Hukill’s was paid more than $6,000 from government funds that she shouldn’t have received. While the DOE report indicates that Hukill gave Pricer the raise without Wiley’s approval, he clearly did approve her severance pay (which she also wasn’t entitled to) at the wrong rate.
4) Hukill’s unapproved department restructuring led to co-mingling of the money which led to the DOE finding “mulitple instances of TRIO personnel being paid from the wrong grant funds.” Again, we reported this to Turner, he ignored us, we took it to Wiley, and he supported Hukill.
5) We also told Turner and Wiley about the staff “Professional Development Retreat” being paid for solely from Studen Support Services when the cost for it should have been paid from all the programs. They ignored this as well.
6) The fact that RSU has no indirect cost rate agreement on file with DOE is not just a violation of federal regulations, it’s a violation of federal law. This falls on Mark Meadors. According to the DOE report, the $7,894.64 RSU took from TRIO’s budget for the 22 months DOE reviewed is “unallowable.” That totals over $173,000, but that amount was taken prior to the time period investigated and since the investigation, so it’s actually much more. This is fraud, and now the federal government wants back the money it was cheated out of by RSU.
7) Over a period of seven months RSU used federal funds to pay over $33,000 in salaries to people who were not performing the services RSU was contracted to provide by the federal government, another instance of fraud.
In addition to the misallocation of funds DOE cites, Hukill was also apparently given a severance package as well of over $11,000. Severance pay for employees who resign is highly suspicious, if not illegal, unethical, and immoral. We are being lied to here, one way or another. With Hukill’s severance and the dollar amounts mentioned in the report, the total is over $228,000. And we all know there’s more. While the DOE’s review was “as thorough as reasonably possible,” it was not all-inclusive.
Michael Turner and Joe Wiley knew all along that RSU TRIO was in con-compliance with federal regulations, and they endorsed the fraud. That’s what we know.
August 20th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Congratulations Dorothy. Job well done. You’ve certainly shown us what you’re made of.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
We understand “others unnamed” have filed suit against Linda Andrews and Tom Volturo. Anybody know anything on that?
Please, Tom Volturo can not continue to get by with this stuff. MARK my words…MARK will take the fall when the sting comes down. Get out MARK while you can.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Just for sake of curiosity…if you have any interest in Bit-By-Bit you should look at the Southeastern University investigation for references to the race horse that “died” there “mysteriously” after being heavily insured. Does that sound familiar…how about the Stallion that died “suddenly” here? How about all the other “oddities” in fund transfers, Tommy Wiley in charge and all.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
It’s so sad those poor women in TRiO Administration Executive Director’s office. They do all the work and never get the credit. Thank God for Sara Schoenefeld who came in and held the fort while Dr. Wiley told that nasy old Dept of Ed to stick it up their Whazzuz and made sure the righteous got their just rewards. Thank you Rhonda, Thank you Dorothy, Thank you Rennah. Useful idiots is such a nice title. Not one of you knows the origin of the theme. Oh, by the way, check your spelling on FACILITATER. We are forever in your debt.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
We understand there has been another suit filed against Linda Andrews and RSU. Is it possible to get docs on that? Brendan McHugh is “handling” this one too? What is his deal? He (McHugh) doesn’t seem to be very aggressive on this stuff. Is there a problem there do you think?
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Hey guys. Point of clarification. Kathy Hoppe left RSU because her husband was offered a job that paid $35,000 MORE and was the dream job he’d been hoping for. There were some conflicts but those were between Kathy and Nurse Martin. Kathy lost.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
We wish you well Kathy. You got out in good time. Hades still has a hold on some. Threats, fear, secrecy and all the rest continue from Linda Andrews, Tom Volturo and “the usual suspects” We had big hopes for Rice but, the old regime still appears to have hold and Rice has not been able to see through it, even with the DOE yelling it in his face! All the best to you. Remember us in your prayers.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Kathy, great to hear from you! I don’t recall any comments about you though on the blog. What’s up on that? Was there something I missed? Just fyi. I’ve not heard anything bad about you at all. All the best from Still here and hate it.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I did hear that Kathy Hoppe was “threatened” by Kellie Schultz just as Collier was…anybody know about that? May be important for Marilyn Goff to know that…maybe not? Seems nobody much cares around here anymore about things that happen to good people. Sad but true.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
McHugh does not seem very “interested” in being aggressive on the Goff case or others associated…what’s the deal on that? Maybe just looks that way? What about it McHugh, which side are you on now?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Lets take another look at the entire money situation at RSU. Beyond the woes of SSS, there seems to be a massive outflux of money that should be directed at the students enrolled at RSU. A little simple math shows that student fees have increased but budgets have decreased. Is this because Wiley wanted to concrete his legacy by introducing so many athletic teams at once? OR, is it that the 1.75 million dollars in student fees is slowly creeping into someones pocket. I hope most of you get of your high horses and remember the students at RSU are the reason it is still there.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Anybody know about Brendan McHugh? We are interested in hostile workplace but don’t quite trust the attorney who seems to have the most “face” in the deal. What’s up with him? Can he be trusted? Does anyone know how he got in on this? We want to move but feel we need to move NOW and if he is “otherwise engaged.” Where do we turn? Anybody got any ideas? We have heard NADDA!
August 27th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Anyone see the U-Haul Vans at the equestrian center? Looks like Tommy Wiley is done soaking up wasted space in the RSU pocketbook. Wonder if Brother Joe is getting his old roomates back. (Before landing his cash cow at RSU Tommy Wiley has always lived with Brother Joe)
August 27th, 2008 at 5:56 am
I noticed the new posting a couple of weeks ago for a new caretaker position on the RSU employment page of their website. Wonder who will go in next.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
It is my understanding that Tom Volturo is “Vice President” of Administration? I am an employee of RSU and have never been introduced to the “new VP of Academics” Don’t even know his name. Interesting, isn’t it. I take that back…he was introduced at the “State of the University” show. RSU seems to bring out some of the most interesting, backward, uncouth, pr cultures. Surely Mr. Ortolani has been introduced to a higher level of development that this stuff. We had such high hopes for Dr. Rice. It’s a shame. It took only a short while for the Wiley stench to get all up in that and get all over him. What a down right shame. Linda Andrews, pack your stuff or get ready for some of the same old Karma calling siren songs you have brought up for others. A shame, a real shame. Look out Mark…run like the wind boy, run like the wind.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:38 am
What is happening with TRiO? Has anyone heard from Collier? We understand she was hospitalized following an “attack” of some sort by the lovely ladies of TRiO admin. Is Schoenefeld still at the helm of the $8.3 million? What is this woman’s background and why was she chosen for the job of continuing the Wiley work of Hukill? Has the University (Rice?) ever spoken to the allegations of the Department of Ed? Isn’t this of interest to the public? Would like to know if there is any threat for the University to lose those grant funds. WHAT IS GOING ON?
August 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
It appears they’ll do anything to get rid of Collier, even sacrifice the Student Support Services grant. Time will tell, but nobody else will.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
We understand that whistleblosers sometimes get the breath knocked out of them. Is that right Ms. Andrews? Is that right Tom Volturo? We know who called the Department of Ed AND we know what is happening to TRiO. If you really are on the up and up, why won’t you let us help and try to fix it, straight and narrow, huh? Dr. Rice? Are you there? What is happening please? Sara Schoenefeld seems to have really clamped down on everything. Golly, with her expertise in K-12 and block grants, and after all, her husband is with TU, gee, guess she DOES know all about higher ed grants and people, and the law around here per Linda Andrews and Tom Volturo.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
You are saying that Schoenefeld appears to understand all about federal grants since she knows about K-12 grants? It is my understanding they are far, far different and managed quite differently. Has the proper division of the Dept of Higher Ed given her authority now to handle all the funds that were formally to be handled by the Program Managers? (as per the DOE report?) This is just so strange. Surely, the Department of Education did not find these serious mistakes, then reverse themselves by saying, oh we were wrong, we will let this woman be in charge of everything and continue the Hukill/Wiley method of secret police authority through the women in the TRiO admin office after all? What in the world is going on here? Does Larry Rice not have ANYONE that can speak to him with truth and authority? Perhaps the “women” of the TRiO Admin office, with the counsel of Linda Andrews and Tom Volturo have convinced Schoenefeld and all others involved that everyone is incompetent and Hukill and Wiley were right after all? It all seems very complicated but, I’d like to try to figure it out. I’ve seen things like this in court and it can be very confusing for the bystander. What may be very clear is that somebody at a higher level than RSU TRiO is playing some mighty strange games here. I’m sorry for all of you. I’d bet Wiley and volturo have already cleared up and cleared out any incriminating evidence by now. They are obviously very well capable and practiced at this sort of thing. Weren’t they involved with TRiO questions at Southeastern? This is all so strange.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
THe open records for State employee wages shows that Sara is being aid $5,000 a month since she came mid-April. Bet it’s not enough to cover her legal fees. Maybe she is insured like Wiley.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
There are a few facts concerning the departure of Joe Wiley and Michael Turner from RSU that have been overlooked. During an investigation last year (the one that led to Marilyn’s firing) OU’s chief legal counsel told a certain person that she wouldn’t have to worry about dealing with Wiley or Turner much longer as they would both be gone by the 2008 fall semester. This was before Wiley announced his “retirement,” and before Turner applied for the position of president of SEOSU. Then, poof, like magic, Turner, who couldn’t lead a boy scout pack across the street with a map, was announced as the best choice among the 77 applicants for that position, and the “retiring” Wiley applied for positions out of state. It sure looks like the regents ran him off, perhaps because they didn’t want their own duplicity concerning his unethical, illegal conduct exposed. And it sure seems like the corruption goes far beyond RSU. It’s time to hold those who enabled and protected Wiley and Turner accountable. No wonder they want to shut us all up, so much so that they willingly violate the law to do it. It’s beyond sad. The very people we count on and vote for to protect and represent us seem to be in on the cover up. What other reason could there be for them to ignore our requests for assistance and justice?
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
After a little research, I’ve learned that the misappropriation of funds and the other illegalities in the Bit-by-Bit program should be reported to the state attorney general.
That’s Drew Edmondson
313 NE 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
I can verify that he will respond.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:41 am
There has been so much concern for Bit-by-Bit and it certainly seems justified, what with the latest suit! Can anyone share with us the source of the funding for Bit-by-Bit? Is this a cooperative effort between the school and some private business foundations or is it state funded? Just curious. It would be good for those who are putting up the money for this program to be very forthcoming with sources, policy, procedures, etc. Some of us are quite interested and want to know a GREAT deal more! Thanks Shirley for looking into this. We assume that Bit-By-Bit is not something the Federal DOE can help with? Can anybody shed a little more light on this? Thanks.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
This information was on the RSU web-site. “Bit by Bit is a cooperative program between RSU and Oologah-Talala Public Schools to promote physical and mental health for children and adults with disabilities through horseback riding. One of 12 certified equine therapy centers in the state, Bit By Bit is the state’s only certified program directly affiliated with a university.” Still not clear where do we go to report FRAUD and mismanagement of the program? Seems like Oologah-Talala schools would care … unless Wiley and Volturo get to them first.
September 4th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) How to get information through the Freedom of Information ACT
Chaun Eason, FOIA Coordinator
Phone: (202) 245-7001
Guide to filing a FOIA request:
Any individual may submit a FOIA request for records in the Office of Inspector General (OIG) by regular mail, fax, electronic mail, or in person at the following address:
Mail To:
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Inspector General
400 Maryland Avenue,S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1510
Fax: (202) 245-7039
In Person:
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Inspector General
550 12th Street, S.W.
Room 8103
Washington, DC, 20024
Accessing OIG Records through the FOIA
The FOIA provides any person the right to access the OIG’s records subject to the FOIA exemptions. The request must meet the following criteria before it can be processed:
It must be in writing and signed by the person making request. No telephone requests will be accepted.
It must state that the request is being made under the FOIA. If the exact records are unknown, a reasonable description should be given. If a fee waiver is requested, the category of the requester must be stated (i.e. commercial, media, educational, all others).
Text of the FOIA
Text of the Privacy Act
Privacy Act Regulations for the OIG, 34 CFR Part 5b, (System No. 18-10-0001)
Email: Freedom of Information Act Office | oig.foia@ed.gov
September 4th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
My sources say irregularities with federal funds will be investigated by the OIG, but Bit-by-Bit irregularites should be reported to the state attorney general, as should any violation of the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Because Mr. Edmondson has said that the attorney general’s office has been a “champion” of the open records law for at least 20 years, I have personally reported RSU’s refusal to release Wiley’s response to the DOE concerning RSU’s Trio programs to him, but one voice is not powerful enough to achieve the goal of demanding that RSU be held to the same standards of conduct and the same law as all other state agencies. As we have experienced in the past, when people join together for a common goal more gets accomplished. If people fear for their jobs or their safety, they can request that their names be held in confidence, but it is vital that people take a stand on these issues. Make no mistake, the “veil of secrecy” has not been lifted despite what people may have been told, and a law that has been on the books since 1985 continues to be flagrantly ignored. While there is no acceptable excuse for noncompliance with the law, RSU has been doing it and getting away with it for so long that administrators actually behave as if doing so is written in their job descriptions. They dodge, stall, use diversionary tactics, and actually create or alter policy on the spot to prevent the public from being informed of the actions they take. For example, if RSU has an open records request form, I can’t find it anywhere, but they use the lack of one as an excuse for not releasing the information. An official request form is not required by state statute, but the Oklahoma Open Records Act does require that an agency have an individual authorized to release public records available at all times during the regular business hours of the agency. If RSU has such a person, his or her identity is a secret guarded as closely as Wiley’s response to the DOE. The old adage that actions speak louder than words tells us all we need to know about how Dr. Rice intends to respond to the LAW. It is up to us to take the action now. We MUST write letters or send e-mails to our state attorney general.
And by the way, Dr. Rice, if you’re reading this (and I hope you are), FYI, an e-mail routed through any Oklahoma state owned server IS an “official” record.
I have no other information about Bit-by-Bit, but others do, and those who do should report them to State Attorney General Drew Edomndson. If we want RSU to do the right thing, it starts with us.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Another thing of interest and irony: one author of the Oklahoma Open Records Act was none other than Stratton Taylor. Could this be the reason RSU has been given a pass when it comes to abiding by the law? Something stinks to high heaven; it’s the stench of a cover up. And it does seem that other elected officials are in on it. Let’s not forget Larry Rice was also once an elected official. I don’t trust them either.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Before you start spreading rumors about Bit by Bit maybe you should go and watch a class and the children being helped at no cost to the parents. This is a good program and hard work being put in by good people that are paid and by volunteers. Maybe you should try being a volunteer instead of running your mouth to discredit a great program. The lady that started this program worked hard for it. Now you are trying to cause people not to
believe in it and not give their money to a very worthy cause. Many of these parents couldn’t afford to pay for their child to have this help. The donations and money put in by RSU are what pays for this and the volunteers who put their time are needed to make this program work. You are the one not to be trusted because you haven’t been in the parents postion of having a child that needs this program and seen the good it does. IN A LAWSUIT there are two sides and will be shown, sometimes those who file these suits don’t always have grounds just attorneys after money. Maybe you need to check out their backgrounds.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I talked with a former employee of the Bit by Bit program and got a few tidbits of information of whats been going on down there…
The current Equine manager/Facility director(Pam Switalla) kept her own personal horse at the site on the programs bill(feed, hay, etc..)for about 2 1/2 months until former Rodeo coach Mac Alford had room to bring her to his place for training.
She even had the horses teeth floated and billed the program(under the name little sorrel mare).
New rodeo coach Leonard Berryhill asked the former director if they needed any more horses for the program. Jana asked how tall the horse was(tall horses make it harder on the volunteers like myself that are vertically challenged to help hold and walk with the students)Leonard told her it was about 15 hands. Jana said no he’s too tall.
A couple days later the horse shows up anyway and guess what, not only is the horse closer to 16 hands than he is 15. The horse was crippled to boot. After a student worker rode the poor thing she said how sorry she felt for it. The next day the student worker said as did Leonard that the horse was faking it.. Jana told me the horse should be put up for an Academy Award… Jana has been around equine her whole life and this horse is crippled and unusable (without drugging)probably still down at the barn being unused just costing the program money.
But thats just a little of of what I have heard, I’m sure there is much much more.
Shirley, is it legal for RSU to lie on grants to get money from private business for a non profit organization?
September 5th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I’m not an attorney, but lying on grants to get money from any source is fraud. Is there proof?
September 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Shirley is it legal to slander people by their
full names online.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Polly: Thank you for your interest in what we are saying about RSU. Please understand that nobody! is slandering ANYONE at Bit-By-Bit. We are not slandering or trying to hurt TRiO Programs. WE HAVE BEEN HURT. People we love have been hurt. Our Students have been hurt and this community has been hurt by the RSU Administratio, specifically Joe Wiley, Tom Volturo and others who have repeatedly shown themselves duplicitous by using money intended to be put to good use. I don’t want to think you are stupid but, really, can’t you open your mind just a bit! I have heard it said that there ae many vicious dictators that fund hospitals and love small animals. Well…Good! Think about it Pollyanna. Honestly, I was shocked at your attack on Shirley. Good Lord woman.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
So, following Polly’s logic to it’s complete logic…to critize the way funds are used that are intended for use by the Bit-by-Bit Program…intended to provide fabulous, unique, much needed therapy for special needs kids…critizing the fact! YES FACT that funds are misdirected and instead are going into big fat pockets of Joe Wiley, Tom volturo and their families…now let me see if I understand this Polly…by critizing misuse and fraud…we are SLANDERING THE BIT-BY-BIT PROGRAM? Polly, to your way of thinking, you should run for political office here in eastern Oklahoma. Oh by the way, you can make a lovely helmet with left over tin foil.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
“Many of these parents couldn’t afford to pay for their child to have this help. The donations and money put in by RSU are what pays for this and the volunteers who put their time are needed to make this program work.” Polly, as a grandparent of a handicapped child I want to tell you I am horrified at your response to Shirley. Surely you can see that the funds that we all work so hard to provide should be used with good stewardship, wisdom and honesty. Do you actually believe that to criticize misuse and fraud of program funds is the WRONG thing to do? I just simply don’t understand. Can you help me? Perhaps I am not clear on your point. Really, I hope you will make another effort to explain yourself. Right now, I am very, very upset by your comments to Shirley and would love to meet you face to face.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Polly, I probably depends on what you are calling slander. Truth is not slander. Fraud is fraud and theft is theft.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Polly, beause I have volunteered and helped with Bit-by-Bit I do understand how valuable the program is. That is EXACTLY why I don’t want Joe Wiley and Tom Volturo and other creeps using the money in ways it is not intended. What in the world are you thinking woman.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Polly, what are you going to do to defend Bit-By-Bit. Do you honestly believe we are trying to hurt the program by pointing out fraud and abuse of funds? Isn’t it better to stop the abuse and fraud and make sure the money is used for the purposes it was meant to go toward?
September 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Once again we are seeing clear examples of “useful idiots” People, please think and use the brains God gave you to understand the meaning of corruption. Don’t be used by evil because of your well-meaning,misguided ignorance.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
People have a right to express their opinions; just as you have the right to disagree. Both sides should be heard. That’s what we’re fighting for.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I hear that Polly doesn’t know her ear from a hole in the ground! So, if we see someone stealing your car and we tell the police…by your logic we are spreading rumors about you and slandering your good name. Polly, Polly, Polly…tsk, tsk, tsk.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Today, I learned with regret that Dr. Dannette Boyle has come under some scrutiny as a result of the Tom Volturo, Joe Wiley snow jobs. Dr. Boyle is a decent soul and I’m sorry to hear it but, all of us that know ANYTHING better start singing like birdies or be ready to be plucked over.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I agree that everyone should be heard. However, we are expressing concerns here. Shirley, I have a right to express my concern that when people express the kind of ignorant absurdity that Polly has expressed to you by saying that to be willing to root out evil and fraud is “slandering Bit-by-Bit” I am very concerned that we all perhaps should simply throw in the towel. If we are “fighting” against this kind of ignorance, I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to manage it any more. TRiO funds have been squandered and the staff and students have been demoralized. Bit-By-Bit has been raped and plundered…it is obvious and the staff and clients have been badly served as a result. How can a person be so ignorant and simple minded to believe that this kind of thing should not be outed. I would ask Polly this question and Polly should should think about it. If you, Polly, or your daughter, were being raped every day by a human beast and someone realized it and told others in order to get have it stopped, would you be crying that someone was slandering you? Please, this is quite an amazing line of thought and I’m not quite sure how to deal with it other than it makes me quite ill. Polly, how sad, how sad indeed.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Polly, you say the money put into bit-by-bit by RSU helps so many people. Polly, dear, from whence do you think RSU gets the money? Do you not know basic economic 101 that RSU is accountable to use the money that TAX PAYERS and people who PAY tuition give the money to RSU and these self-same people have a RIGHT to know that the money is not used for someone’s personal gain. Really Polly. Are you a Democrat or just an outright socialist, “useful idiot?”
September 5th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Has this misuse of funds been seen in writing, and can you prove it. I wouldn’t want funds misused and I wouldn’t go on hear say from one or more persons unless they can prove it. Rumors can do great harm to ones that don’t deserve it. The truth always comes out in the end, but sometimes damage is alread done. I wouldn’t want that to happen to this program. I think that when you name names it is slander unless you prove it.
September 6th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Polly you poor little creature. If ever, ever you need a lawyer in Rogers County, pray and run for your life if you think you can go against Rogers State University, Oklahoma politicians, and the good old boy network here and GET MONEY! HA HA H AH HA H AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA What a funny, funny lady. Polly, you really need to consider investing in cable TV. The local news and what ever you are reading in the Enquirer have turned your poor little head to sweet potatoes. Oh, don’t bother getting a lawyer from around here to help you get any money. HA, “a lawyer to help you get money from RSU!” HA! HA!
September 6th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Polly asks if these allegations or proof of allegations has been put in writing. Well, Polly, it’s going to go before the court. Then, Tom Volturo and Joe Wiley will be facing a jury that will see the evidence with their own eyes. Maybe, just maybe then, Polly will begin to think…hmmm…maybe somebody is doing something wrong…maybe it is Joe Wiley and Tom Volturo and NOT the people accusing them. Not bloody likely through. Polly has shown how her mind works. Are you working on your tin foil cap Polly?
September 6th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Polly, we you complain of fraud to the RSU administration, they fire your hind end…have you noticed. So, you have to take your complaints to the court. Then, you have someone like Polly or “Dot” say you are “slandering” or just looking for a lawyer to get you some money. Can’t really win against fraud and abuse in the word of Polly and Dot.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Shirley, I agree with you that Polly has the right to be an ignorant fool and be wrong. She even has the right to say stupid, ignorant things. I also have the right to feel frustrated, angry, confused and terribly concerned that Polly may represent others who are so blindly ignorant that they honestly feel that complaining about possible fraud and abuse is somehow WRONG thing to do. Yes, Polly has the right to be an ignorant stupid prig if she want to do that. Go ahead Dot and Polly. The rest of us will put our souls and our reputations, our lives, our ability to earn a living and even our health on the line for you.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Please do not misquote me. Hasn’t there been enough “mis” information been bandied about? We’re looking to get at the truth here, and calling people stupid or saying I said something I didn’t is not a tactic I condone. I do understand your frustration, but we must be civil.
Polly, on behalf of those of us who have been being attacked for simply pointing out federal regulations for the last three years and are therefore overly sensitive to what could have been viewed as another one of those attacks, please accept my sincere apology.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I’d like to know about the Executive Director of TRiO Programs job posting. As described, the administration appears to be looking for someone to do exactly what Hukill did. I’m so confused. Did the Department of Education not specifically tell RSU they better stop trying to micromanage the programs, manage the budgets out of the Admin Office and get rid of this structure, or face losing funds? Maybe RSU decided they would just get along without this funding and run things the way they see fit. Sure looks that way doesn’t it! Can anyone shed some light on that? Hey, at one time I did see something about Jim Finley or Marilyn Goff coming back in that role. Wouldn’t that be an interesting turn of events? Anyway, from what I can see, they University should do away with that TRiO Admin office, have someone working through the Foundation to write grants, and let the program managers (Directors) run their own show per the DOE report. (The Regulations call for each of the programs to have someone 100% dedicated to running the programs, budgets and ALL! How can Schoenefeld do that for 4 programs? Seems mighty strange that RSU would not do what they are told. I guess they have a “better vision” HEY, Maybe Polly will get the job! HA
September 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Shirley, I suggested in an earlier post that Polly has the right to say stupid things and be a stupid prig if she wants to. I stand on that statement and defend her right still. You go for it Polly.
September 6th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
If I had a daughter I wouldn’t want her to be around the likes of people that say comments like some of you do. I would teach my children to not judge people until all the facts were in and proven, not just heresay. I hope the new director of Bit by Bit can stand the heat from the all the rumors. I wasn’t attacking any one person, I was speaking in general to whom “the shoes fits”.
September 6th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I give, uncle, over and out.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
If nobody can “talk about it” until all the “Facts are in” then, how are we supposed to learn the facts? Just wondering. I think that is the final comment. Polly your erudition has been an intellectual guerdon to us all. Selah!
September 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
According to the State Records Sheree Hukill is still getting a pay check each month from RSU. (at least she was as of July 31) August had not been posted when I last checked. Just wondered if she is providing so called “documentation” to the OIG’s office. Now that would be a “show and tell” project to look into. According to her last employer, they found it necessary to go to Hukill’s house with a truck and STOP HER IN HER TRACKS before their 501(c) 3 was debarred and dismantled because of Hukills “help” When will it ever end, when indeed.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Still going on—-
The Bit by Bit is a great program and helps many
kids and would not criticize it. But spending the
funds on other projects such as(rodeo supplies &
etc) but you better not ask why. The new director
had better watch her back, it’s not just rumors
and to be sure it is still going on.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Why should the new director watch her back.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
If the new director starts to ask why and what
itis being spent on and who authorized and signed
for it other than herself, then it is time to
watch her back. This is what happened in the past.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Polly I noticed you used the incompetent in the same sentence as the former director of bit by bit, I was down there and did see how hard she was working and how the volunteers tried to chip in and help when it seemed no one else would or just because there wasn’t anyone around most of the time. I hope all this does come out in the courtroom and the ones resposible for the lack of ethics in all of your comments that you defend are held accountable
September 10th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Perhaps we should have a meeting of some sort to discuss a course of action on all this. Mr. Wynn appears to be an excellent pivot point of contact. I would be willing to share my phone number if people are interested in meeting. There is a great deal of concern here and it seems we all need to talk about this in person. Perhaps, if any of you are interested in such a meeting, you could send an e-mail to Mr.Wynn and we can let him coordinate it in confidence? Just trying to help. For one, I’d like to get together and talk about all this RSU stuff.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I agree with Polly that all the talk about bit by bit will lower donations made to the program.
So do all of you want to see the program ended, because someone lost their job. Then our children lose. There is always another side to a story.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Please know that the most hurtful attack on Bit-by-Bit would be illegal or immoral use of grant funding. The wrong thing to do either ethically or legally would be to refuse to let proper authorities know when there is a misuse of resources. The “FACT” that people at RSU in more than one of the grant funds have had their employment terminated or otherwise been involved in “constructive dismissal” for “whistleblowing” is indicative of something very wrong.