District says forensic audit of school bookkeeping underway; sheriff's office notified

The Nassau County School District told the board Monday it has hired a forensic auditing firm to investigate an internal bookkeeping incident at one school and has filed a report with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.

Dr. Burns briefed trustees on steps the district has taken: the forensic auditors are expected to complete their work on or about Sunday, June 15, with the district aiming to receive the final report Monday, June 16. The district also reported it has taken interim steps to ensure students and school activities have not been disadvantaged, saying funds for graduation activities and student fees have been temporarily replenished while the district determines the full loss.

District staff said they have begun expanded compliance measures for school financial controls: additional training for principals and bookkeepers, updates to the bookkeeper procedures manual, a Teams group for regular updates, periodic audits across schools, and a monthly report to verify background screenings and volunteer checks through Raptor. Staff said those steps are in addition to the sheriff’s investigation and the forensic audit, and that the state’s attorney will review investigative materials if criminal charges are recommended.

Board members asked whether insurance would cover loss; staff said risk-management coverage may apply once the forensic audit quantifies loss and the district files appropriate claims. Staff also told trustees they had notified the sheriff’s office and expect the law-enforcement investigation to follow its own timeline.

Ending: The district expects the forensic audit report the week following the workshop and said it will use the audit findings to refine bookkeeping procedures and personnel actions as needed.