Board says state declined forensic audit; district issued RFPs and will discuss next steps in executive session

Members of the public asked the Nutley Board of Education for an update on investigations and potential forensic audits related to prior fiscal concerns. The board responded that the New Jersey Department of Education declined a request to conduct a forensic audit and that the district issued a request for proposals for a forensic audit and received multiple responses.

Superintendent Kent Bania said the state indicated the district could commission a forensic audit but would need to pay for it. A district representative told the meeting that the board will discuss whether to proceed with a forensic audit in executive session at the current meeting, and that proposals remain under consideration.

When asked about a state monitor or budget manager on site, the district said a monitor has been assigned and that the district will provide a public report in June describing corrective actions and steps taken to strengthen internal controls. A cost estimate mentioned in the meeting for a forensic audit ranged to about $135,000; the board said it would weigh that estimate in its executive session discussion.

No formal decision to hire an auditor was announced at the public meeting. The board directed that the matter be discussed in closed session and said any conclusions or contract decisions will be released publicly when appropriate.