Gregory Bitgood was superintendent of Heritage Christian School between 2012 and 2016 when he admits he misappropriated more than $28,000.
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August 01, 2017 - 3:48 PM
KELOWNA – The superintendent of Heritage Christian School in Kelowna has been fired for misappropriating almost $30,000 over a four-year period, according to the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.
Gregory Joseph Bitgood has admitted to using school funds for personal expenditures and claiming reimbursement for the expenses as business travel, gifts for staff, curriculum and consulting, according to an agreement released by Commissioner Bruce M. Preston today, Aug. 1.
The missing money came to the attention of the Commissioner Sept. 26, 2016 after the private society that funds the school filed a report. The report says Bitgood was Superintendent when the money was misused between 2012 and 2016.
It says the Society terminated his employment Sept. 21, 2016 and that Bitgood will make monthly payments to repay the $28,888.
“Bitgood admits that the conduct described … constitutes professional misconduct and is contrary to... Standards for Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia,” he writes.
He also agreed to a three-month suspension of his certificate of qualification but according to his Facebook page, he may have other plans.
"Because of bad choices I have made I am going back and reexamining everything again in my life," he wrote July 1, 2017. "I am returning to my first love which is Jesus."
Attempts to reach Bitgood before publication were unsuccessful.
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