Sarasota County Schools disclosed the results of an internal audit that uncovered extensive misuse of district funds by former Booker High School head football coach Carlos Woods. The investigation found that Woods charged the school more than $16,000 for rental cars over several years, often without proper authorization.
How the misuse occurred
According to the audit, Woods repeatedly used Booker High School’s direct‑billing codes with AVIS Car Rental on N. Washington Blvd. to reserve vehicles. The rentals were processed without the knowledge or approval of district officials. Interim Principal Gregory Rumph first raised concerns in April after noticing unapproved charges on the school’s expense reports.
The audit detailed rentals that lasted from eight to 19 days for single athletic events, including a stretch of 51 consecutive days of billed rentals between September 21, 2025, and November 10, 2025. One vehicle accumulated 7,811 miles during its time on the school’s account. AVIS reported that Booker High was the only school consistently returning vehicles empty, resulting in additional fees such as $9.89 per‑gallon refills, late‑return penalties, and extension charges.
Personal trips and district response
Woods testified that he reserved the vehicles in his capacity as athletic director because district vans were “old, unreliable, and unsafe.” He claimed the cars were parked on campus with keys inside for staff to transport students. However, the audit also documented that Woods used the district‑billed rentals for personal travel, including a Christmas‑break trip to Los Angeles to attend a UCLA basketball game without any students present.
The 75‑page report concluded that Woods violated district anti‑fraud policies, transported students in private vehicles, used his professional privileges for personal gain, and acted dishonestly in his dealings with the rental company.
Resignation and program impact
Following the audit, Woods offered to reimburse any improper charges out of pocket and initially proposed stepping down as athletic director while remaining head coach. The district, however, recommended his dismissal. Woods resigned from both positions shortly thereafter.
The coaching change had immediate repercussions for the football program. A significant number of players left the team, leaving Booker High without enough athletes to field a varsity squad for the season. District leadership appointed Principal Jamal Crook and new head coach Lance Hoeltke to oversee the program and rebuild participation.
Police investigation
The Sarasota Police Department is reviewing the audit findings for potential financial crimes. Detectives are examining bank records, credit‑card statements, and other financial documents. A department spokesperson said the investigation will follow established protocols and may result in criminal charges pending the review.
Superintendent’s statement
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent released a statement emphasizing the need to protect public resources and maintain trust. He noted that the misuse of funds undermined the district’s mission to support student‑athletes responsibly. The superintendent also expressed sympathy for seniors who lost the opportunity to compete in a varsity football season and pledged continued support for the school’s students, teachers, and broader community.
Going forward, the district plans to strengthen financial oversight, improve approval processes for vehicle rentals, and ensure that any future transportation needs are met with transparent, accountable procedures.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
