District investigation of trustee's son winds up this week

The Cherokee County School District is expected to conclude its investigation early this week of a maintenance department employee who allegedly returned to his home after reporting for work.

Joel Greene, a son of school trustee Sandra Greene, has been suspended without pay while the district completes its investigation into whether he was doing personal business during work hours.

According to sources, Greene clocked in at work at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7. He arrived at his house before 8 a.m. in a school district truck.

About an hour later, several trustees were notified that Greene was at his house. One of them passed that information on to the district office.

Shortly thereafter, Cherokee County School District Maintenance Director John Burchstead was spotted en route to Greene's house. At 9:05 a.m., Burchstead arrived at Greene's house, which is a short distance from the maintenance shop.

Three minutes later, Burchstead left Greene's house with Greene following him. They both returned to the maintenance department.

Greene reportedly told his superiors he returned home to check on a water line leak. But a Gaffney Board of Public Works official said no work order was issued Wednesday for a water line leak on Northey Street.

Greene has been spotted off the job during work hours on several other occasions as well. Greene and immediate supervisor Danny Sarratt have been videotaped at McDonald's, Wachovia Bank and riding around for hours during regular work hours.

In another instance, Sarratt dropped Greene off at Greene's Northey Street residence at approximately 11 a.m and picked him up at about 2 p.m.

Sarratt also has been videotaped taking Greene back to the shop before lunch. Greene then drove his car home and stayed there for several hours.

"We are conducting an investigation of an employee being at home during work hours and other affiliated allegations regarding personal business on district time," Cherokee County School District Personnel Director Andy Jones said.

According to school policy, Burchstead, Greene's supervisor, reported the incident to Jones. Burchstead and Jones then decide if any disciplinary action will be taken against Greene.

If Burchstead and Jones determine that Greene should be fired, that recommendation will be forwarded to superintendent Bill James.

As a classified employee, Greene may ask for a hearing with the superintendent, but not with the full school board, Jones said.

Jones said Greene will remain suspended without pay until he forwards his recommendation to James.