Board raises concerns about expired grants, large check and payroll documentation

Financial management and audit follow‑up was a substantial focus of the July 22 meeting as board members pressed staff on unspent or expired grants, a large check, and longstanding payroll and replacement‑check items.

A board member flagged a check numbered 099948 for $198,059.70 and asked why funds tied to expired state grants were appearing on the register. The superintendent explained that expired grant funds must be returned if not expended within grant timeframes and that staff can request extensions when appropriate. She said finance is working to identify and, where possible, contact payees for longstanding checks; unresolved items may be converted to unclaimed property per audit guidance.

Board members also examined several older grant awards (including a 2020 award where roughly $75,000 was returned to the state) and questioned why some grants appeared to have been spent little or not at all. The superintendent said finance is reviewing those items and that staff will provide additional documentation and follow‑up.

On payroll, members described replacement checks and a lack of consistent contract and payroll documentation in personnel files. William Parker asked for monthly reports listing employee name, classification, contract amount and gross pay, and he asked that personnel listings include a sign‑off column so a reviewer can indicate that required documentation is complete. The superintendent said she had asked staff to add the requested documentation and would work to improve processes.

No formal votes were taken on financial remedies at the July 22 session; board members requested written follow‑up and additional documentation at the next meeting.