Laguna Beach board vows further review after audit finds years of health-benefit overpayments

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education moved on Oct. 9 to refer an independent audit of employee health-benefit payments to regulatory and compliance agencies and to press for further investigation after public commenters, union representatives and board members raised concern that the district paid more than it should have under contract terms.

At the start of the meeting, Board President Perry reported that, in closed session, the board authorized the president and the superintendent, in consultation with the new chief business officer, to "refer the audit report by Michael Bishop and Associates to agencies of regulation and compliance jurisdiction if necessary." The board recorded votes in open session: Member Malcheski and Member Kelly opposed the referral; Members Morgan and Hills and President Perry voted in favor.

Several public speakers urged additional action. Yankee Han, a Laguna Beach…