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Broward Teachers Union President Resigns Amid Investigation

Pat Santeramo's resignation is effective Dec. 31

Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011 | Updated 6:45 PM EDT

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Broward Teacher's Union President Pat Santeramo is being investigated for alleged improper campaign contributions.

BTU Scandal

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The president of the Broward Teachers Union has resigned his position as authorities investigate the South Florida affiliate's financial affairs.

The union said in a statement on Tuesday that Pat Santeramo's resignation as president of the South Florida affiliate and as vice president fo the American Federation of Teachers is effective Dec. 31.

The BTU's interim administration John Tarka informed the executive board members in an emergency meeting, the statement said.

The Broward State Attorney's Office has said Santeramo is the focus of a pending investigation the office is conducting with the Broward Sheriff's Office. The Florida Election Commission is also conducting its own investigation.

A review of the union's finances by accountants with the American Federation of Teachers, the BTU's national affiliate, found "apparent campaign violations in the form of improper candidate contributions may have taken place," according to a letter sent from the BTU's executive board to members.

The letter said almost all of the $19,500 disbursed has been recovered.

A meeting of the executive board on Dec. 7 to decide whether to expel Santeramo from the BTU was canceled.

A telephone message left at the office of Santeramo's attorney after hours wasn't immediately returned.