By Jim Mimiaga and Gail Binkly

Dolores Elementary School Principal Tina Goar was named acting superintendent for the Re-4A school district in a special meeting of the Dolores school board Thursday night. She will also continue as principal.

Greg Conway, district superintendent, has been suspended with pay by the school board pending an investigation into allegations of financial improprieties.

The Re-4A board voted unanimously to suspend Conway Oct. 19, and is in the process of hiring an independent, outside auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the books at the small rural school district.

"This was a very difficult, unfortunate decision for us to make," said board President Graham Nielson on Oct. 22. "He has been suspended without prejudice while we research some allegations of financial wrongdoing" involving school funds.

Conway, who is in the second year of a three-year contract, is not allowed on school property during the suspension, which Nielson said will last "until further notice. Right now these are only allegations. He is innocent until proven guilty.

"We felt that it would be best for Conway, and for the district, that while the audit is conducted he be suspended. That way no one can accuse him of interfering with the investigation," he said.

Thursday’s board meeting lasted only half an hour, according to Alesa Reed, secretary for the board. The five members, all of whom were present, voted on three agenda items: whether to choose an acting superintendent, whom to select to conduct the audit, and whether to name an interim superintendent, which would probably be someone brought in from outside the district.

The board decided to hire Certified Public Accountant Sheri Betzer of Denver to do the audit. The audit will be public record and be made available to anyone interested, Nielson said.

The members also voted not to hire an interim superintendent. All the votes were unanimous, Reed said.