Suffolk School Board debates audit RFP process and policy violations

The Suffolk City Public School Board meeting on July 10, 2025, was marked by a heated debate over the process of moving forward with a request for proposal (RFP) for an audit, highlighting significant concerns about transparency and adherence to board policies.

Vice Chair McGee initiated the discussion by proposing to direct the superintendent to prepare an RFP for a forensic investigation and internal control review, referencing a previous meeting with the auditing firm Cherry Beckert. He emphasized the need for clarity on what the board was seeking in the audit process, suggesting that the RFP would provide a framework for future discussions.

However, the proposal faced immediate pushback from Board Member Riddick, who raised concerns about the lack of prior distribution of the RFP document to all board members. Riddick argued that the board's policy requires all members to have access to relevant information before making decisions, asserting that the process appeared to circumvent established protocols. He proposed tabling the discussion until the first meeting in August to allow all members adequate time to review the materials.

The debate intensified as other board members weighed in, with some supporting McGee's motion to proceed with the RFP to gather necessary information, while others echoed Riddick's call for a more collaborative approach. Board Member Linglef argued that delaying the decision would hinder the board's ability to gather crucial cost estimates, while Riddick maintained that rushing the process without full board consensus could lead to missteps.

As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that the board was divided not only on the immediate issue of the RFP but also on broader concerns regarding communication and governance practices. The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and collective decision-making in the board's operations, with members expressing a desire for a more unified approach moving forward.

In conclusion, the Suffolk City Public School Board's deliberations on the audit RFP reflect ongoing challenges in governance and communication within the board. The decision to table the discussion until August aims to ensure that all members are adequately informed and engaged in the process, reinforcing the need for adherence to established policies and collaborative decision-making in the interest of the community.