Appoquinimink board hears auditor findings, approves July financial reports amid calls for independent review

The Appoquinimink School District Board of Education on Sept. 9 reviewed a state auditor's report that documented accounting errors and approved the district's July monthly financial and internal accounts reports as the board outlined steps to tighten financial controls.

The district's superintendent, Dr. Burrows, told the board the auditor's report was released Sept. 3 and "mirrors the same findings we've been sharing throughout the summer" about understated expenses and mismatches between reported expenses and the state financial reporting system. He said the district had already brought in outside financial experts, hired a new finance director in August and planned additional training and governance changes to prevent a recurrence.

The report and public comment prompted calls for deeper review. Corey Underwood, a member of the public who spoke during the meeting's public comment period, said the district's special inquiry "uncovered a $4,900,000 undisclosed budget shortfall" and demanded resignations, "an independent legal and financial review of the district," public disclosure of federal and state reporting documents, and a corrective plan to restore transparency.

Why it matters: The board is responsible for approving budgets and ensuring public…