Board discusses collections against former superintendent and releases forensic audit RFP timeline

Board members reviewed two finance items tied to oversight and accountability: a proposed collections engagement tied to a repayment agreement with former superintendent Dr. Horton, and a forensic‑audit RFP to review contracts and accounting practices.

On collections, staff said Dr. Horton is in default on his July 2023 repayment agreement; the district is seeking remaining amounts plus penalties and interest, described in the meeting as more than $7,500. Staff proposed engaging Linebarger, Goggin, Blair & Sampson, a collections firm used by other districts; board members noted Linebarger works contingency‑only and takes an approximate 33% fee from recovered amounts, and that the repayment agreement assigns attorney fees to Horton if a collection is secured. Board members debated whether the likely low recovery makes pursuit worthwhile but acknowledged the firm’s contingency model limits upfront costs.

Separately, staff outlined a forensic audit RFP that will be posted Dec. 11 with proposals due Jan. 5; the review will examine contracts over $25,000 executed in FY21–FY24, no‑bid contracts and accounting practices to detect misappropriation or irregularities. Respondents will be asked to present to the board on Jan. 12 (Committee of the Whole) with board approval of a selected firm planned for Jan. 26.

The items were discussed but no final civil litigation decision on Horton beyond the proposed contingency engagement was recorded in the meeting minutes; the audit RFP timeline was confirmed for public solicitation.