Former Center Grove Superintendent Misused Public Resources

GREENWOOD, Ind.–A former Center Grove Schools Superintendent is accused of misusing public resources and violating several School Board policies.

In January 2024, Superintendent Rich Arkanoff submitted his retirement request to the Board of School Trustees, but the investigation into Arkanoff began in 2022.

The Center Grove Community School Corporation notified parents on Friday and told them that their business office discovered “inconsistencies with his time off and reimbursement tracking.” They shared that information with the State Board of Accounts (SBOA), which is a state agency that oversees all local government finances.

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“Since the initial report, Center Grove has fully cooperated with the SBOA as they conducted an investigation. That investigation has now reached its conclusion,” the district said.

They say the evidence shows that Arkanoff failed to properly report time off and would use the corporation credit card for personal expenses. They are now pursuing repayment of all misappropriated funds resulting in nearly $22,000.

The SBOA says they are seeking to recover an additional $2,135.71. The SBOA may also refer the matter to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office and the Johnson County Prosecutor for potential legal action against Arkanoff.

“These actions were a deliberate breach of trust by an individual in a position of authority and were not reflective of system failures. Center Grove’s internal controls remain sound and this situation stemmed from a deliberate circumvention of these controls by someone in a position of trust and authority,” the district continued.

School Board President Rob Daniels said the School Board is committed to ensuing that the corporation operates with integrity and accountability.

“This type of conduct will not be tolerated from anyone in our organization, especially those in leadership positions. The Board remains steadfast in our commitment to proper governance and fiscal responsibility,” said Daniels.

Arkanoff had been the Superintendent for more than 12 years.