Durham school board to look at Superintendent Becoats credit card use

Updated at 12:33 PM today

Durham County Public Schools Superintendent Eric Becoats

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DURHAM (WTVD) -- Durham County School Board Chairwoman Heidi Carter told ABC11 Tuesday that she's calling a special meeting to discuss the use of a district-issued credit card by Superintendent Eric Becoats.

The move came after a spending records request by the Durham Herald Sun newspaper that detailed what the card was used for. Carter said the credit card has been suspended while the board looks at specific items and spending patterns. She did not elaborate.

Carter said the meeting will probably be held Monday.

Carter said the board has not heard Becoats' side of the story, and the meeting will be his opportunity to tell it.

She also said the board wants stronger controls over the superintendent's spending and credit cards. "DPS is experiencing budget austerity and the board wants to make sure that every penny is spent with pupils in mind," said Carter.

It's not the first time there's been friction between the board and Becoats. In August, he was reprimanded for inappropriately using a district school bus to shuttle family and friends to personal events. Becoats apologized and paid for the use of the bus.