The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit building in Norristown. (Source: MediaNews Group)
The president of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit board addressed mounting concerns this week following a report detailing tens of thousands of dollars in international travel expenses by top administrators, according to a report.
Speaking during a Spring-Ford Area School District board meeting, board president Margaret Wright said the IU is reviewing its policies after a The Philadelphia Inquirer investigation revealed approximately $40,000 in taxpayer-funded travel since 2023.
According to the report, executive director Regina Speaker and assistant executive director Sandra Edling used public funds for trips spanning Africa, Asia and Europe. The expenses included an approximately $18,000, 14-day African safari, as well as travel to South Korea and Singapore. A separate trip to Central Europe was later canceled due to funding concerns.
The report also found that some expenses lacked detailed documentation, including missing receipts or unclear descriptions, despite being approved by prior board leadership.
Wright said the board has not yet formally met to discuss the issue but is working with legal counsel and leadership to conduct a full review. She indicated that new procedures and stronger oversight measures are likely, including updated controls on travel and expense approvals.
Board leadership, which includes representatives from all 21 school districts in Montgomery County, is expected to begin that process at its next meeting.
Speaker defended the travel, stating the trips were for professional development and had been budgeted and approved. She said there was nothing improper about the expenditures.
The intermediate unit operates with an annual budget of roughly $198 million and provides services to more than 200 schools across the county. While less than 1 percent of its funding comes directly from local school districts, those districts still vote annually to approve the IU’s budget.
Wright said the situation presents an opportunity to improve transparency and accountability moving forward.
