Residents press board for audit timeline and long‑term facilities plan as auditor delay persists

During the public‑comment period at the Feb. 23 meeting, community members pressed trustees on two connected concerns: the district’s audit timeline and transparency around long‑range facilities planning ahead of major funding decisions.

“Before you ask voters for another referendum, you need a forensic‑level audit and basic process discipline,” said Chris Merker, a school board candidate, who asked the district to publish the finalized DPI submission date, explain why the audit was late, and share a corrective plan with accountable owners and dates.

Nicole Eder, a parent and past referendum committee member, said she supports preserving neighborhood elementary schools and urged the board to honor the 2024 referendum’s educational commitments while balancing facility needs.

Finance staff told trustees the district met DPI deadlines for submitting its annual financial report and other required filings but that the independent auditor, whose principal contact is Christina Domar, had not uploaded the audited financials that were due Dec. 15. The auditor told the finance committee the delay was tied to partner sign‑off and third‑party actuarial work; the auditor is scheduled to present to the board on March 23.

“We have been in constant contact with them,” Mr. Ecker said, adding that the district met its submission deadlines and that the outstanding upload rests with the audit firm.

Trustees said they will have a chance to question auditors directly at the March presentation; one board member also promised to follow up by email for additional process documentation the commenter requested.

The meeting’s public comments and the audit update underscore the overlap between financial accountability and facilities planning as the district prepares for major spending decisions in the coming year.