Monroe district unveils fraud, waste and abuse reporting hotline; board debates internal auditor role

District staff presented a formalized fraud, waste and abuse reporting and education program and launched a confidential text hotline and web form intended to increase tip reporting, district officials said.

Dr. Charlene Wright led the presentation, describing training materials and a tip intake system tied to the district website. Wright said many fraud investigations start with tips and that the district’s goal is to improve prevention and detection. "Tips was extremely important," Wright said, summarizing national findings cited in the presentation.

Board members asked how an internal auditor would differ from the external audits the district already receives. Wright and other board members described the internal auditor as an investigative, internal resource able to perform risk assessments, follow up on complaints and recommend controls, while external audits retain statutory independence. Wright noted that in some states internal auditors are required for districts of certain sizes and that an internal auditor could conduct recurring risk assessments to identify control gaps.

Several board members said funds are limited and questioned whether the district, given its size, should add a high‑cost internal auditor position now. Others urged keeping the option under consideration and monitoring the fraud hotline’s performance. Board members also said they would like to see periodic tests of the hotline and agreed staff should report back with results.

No board action was taken to create an internal auditor. Staff said state auditors will perform the scheduled audit work and the district plans to present updates to the board as hotline usage and risk assessments proceed.