Board approves external audit contract and multiple facility use agreements

The Chatham County Board of Education approved an external audit contract for the 2024–25 fiscal year and authorized memoranda of agreement allowing community organizations to use district facilities.

Miss Smith, presenting the audit contract, recommended continuing with Anderson, Smith and Wike, PLLC as the district’s external auditors. She said the firm has worked with the district since 2015 and that the contract for 2024–25 was "not to exceed the fee of $46,100." The board voted to approve the contract by voice vote.

The board then considered multiple memoranda of agreement for use of district facilities at Northwood High School and South Buffalo Field. District staff said the agreements define responsibilities between the district and the community organizations and provide clarity where groups have already been using facilities.

Specific agreements approved included an agreement with the East Chatham Chargers for use of Northwood facilities; a North Carolina Challengers softball memorandum for South Buffalo Field to provide softball opportunities; and a Pearmund flag football agreement, described as an NFL-flag program started locally by a former NFL player, to offer youth flag football opportunities. District staff noted principals and athletic directors supported the agreements and were present to answer questions.

Board members asked about field wear and tear and whether organizations had requested other sites; district staff said groups had requested specific sites (for example Northwood) and would have to approach other schools if they wanted different locations. Each memorandum was approved by voice vote.