TOPPENISH, Wash. – A nearly 100-page report on former Toppenish School District superintendent John M. Cerna was released by the District, detailing findings related to his compensation in the position.
The report, completed by investigative firm Seabold Group, was done following a two-year accountability audit report from November 2022 which found a lack of oversight of the superintendent’s pay and benefits in accordance with his contract, disbursement issues and payment to a wrestling coach that did not perform any services and more between September 2019 and August 2021.
As a result of the investigation, the report says Cerna was required to reimburse the District $20,902 for his retroactive salaries received in the two audited years, his vacation buyback and his vehicle allowance.
Seabold Group also investigated other aspects of Cerna’s audit, including his stewardship of District resources, his management of contracts with online vendors, his relationship with non-profit organization Community Safety Network, his role in lawsuits filed by employees and his role in the investigation and eventual termination of his son in January 2022.
His son, John L. Cerna, previously lost his teaching license in November 2023 after allegations came forward that he and his wife were providing drugs and alcohol to students and having inappropriate sexual contact with students.
Bertha Cerna was charged with sexual misconduct and supplying alcohol to a minor and was arrested in Orange County, CA in August 2022. She later died in custody in June 2023.
The full 95-page report can be found on the TSD website.
