ROBERT C. MAMROTH 
    

     This is Robert's response to the accusations made on Board Report 05-0126-EX36

     September 23, 2004

     Accounts Payable Staff
     Chicago Public Schools
     125 South Clark Street
     Chicago, IL 60603 

     Dear Fellow Staff Members:

     By now I’m sure that you’ve heard that Robert Mamroth is no longer employed 
     by the Chicago Public Schools. Please understand that I love the children of 
     the City of Chicago, and I'm very proud of my 23 year tenure. So what happened? 
     Rest assured, that my dismissal was not based on any type of misconduct or 
     malfeasance on my part. In fact, I regard a man's integrity as a personal badge
     of honor; a person demonstrates personal integrity each and every day no matter 
     what the circumstance. If anything (in regards to my employment with the Chicago
     Public Schools), I may be guilty of one thing and that is not allowing mediocrity 
     to prevail.

     From a Central Bureaucracy perspective, it is easy to forget why the central 
     office exists. It really is all about the children of the City of Chicago. The 
     high volume of purchases permits the Board to take advantage of economies of 
     scale, thus decreasing the cost of goods and services. An efficient payables 
     function promotes good customer relations while taking advantage of vendor 
     discounts whenever possible.  

     In the past, written job procedures were a closely guarded secret. Keep in mind 
     that most of the Accounts Payable procedures have now been documented and exist 
     on a shared computer file. Hopefully, these documents will help new staff members 
     learn their job more quickly and allow my successor a more efficient transition.

     I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have enjoyed working with you 
     over the last several years. You are part of the backbone that keeps the central 
     office of the Chicago Public Schools functional year after year, despite management 
     changes and continued budget cuts. You are a hard working, wonderful group of 
     individuals who have earned my respect and deserve some recognition.
 
     If there's one piece of wisdom that this former employee would like to impart upon
     you is to please continue to work together as a cohesive team because that is your 
     greatest asset. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Help carry each other’s burdens. In this 
     way you will follow Christ’s teachings."(Galations 6:2)

     Finally, if you have any questions, whether work related or personal, please feel 
     free to contact me at any time. 


     Sincerely,
	  
 	 
	 
     Robert C. Mamroth
     Former Manager of Auditing
     Department of Internal Audit