School employee resigns over embezzlement

A Kalispell Public Schools employee resigned recently after embezzling $17,500 from high school activity funds.

Cindy Upwall, formerly the Glacier High School activities bookkeeper, took the money over a period of several years, Superintendent Darlene Schottle said. Upwall held the same position at Flathead High School before Glacier opened.

As activities bookkeeper, Upwall was in charge of the high school activity funds, which include money made from ticket sales and students' fees to participate in extracurricular activities.

A few weeks ago, a new employee working with Upwall noticed some undeposited checks.

"At that time, we didn't have any real idea that any money was unaccounted for," Schottle said.

District employees performed an audit and found several thousand dollars were unaccounted for. When district officials confronted Upwall, she confessed immediately.

"When we confronted her with it, she resigned in lieu of going through the investigation and dismissal," Schottle said.

Upwall also agreed to full restitution, she said. She has until July 1 to repay the district.

Schottle did not know why Upwall took the money. Upwall could not be reached for comment.

Schottle emphasized that she didn't want to portray Upwall as a reprobate.

"She was so forthcoming and helpful during the investigation," she said. "I want to be really cautious about how she's being treated."

Had the district reported the theft to law enforcement, Upwall could have faced at least one to 10 years in state prison and been fined up to $50,000, had she been convicted.

Upwall has worked for School District 5 since August 1999.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com