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Parents press board after audit finds problems at CCA foundation; district to draft binding MOU
Summary
Following a CWDL audit of school foundations, parents, students and community members pressed the board for binding reforms, reduced administrative fees and oversight. Staff said a draft MOU addressing auditor recommendations will be presented in Oct/Nov with a target for a final MOU in December.
A CWDL audit of school foundations and a staff update on an implementation timeline drew sustained public comment at the San Dieguito Union High School District meeting on Sept. 11 as parents and students demanded transparency and changes to foundation practices.
Staff summarized next steps after the auditor's findings: a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address audit recommendations will come to the board in October–November, with an aim of finalizing the MOU by December. "We would hope by December we have the final MOU with all of our four foundations," the presenter said, listing 16 audit recommendations and noting some items foundations can undertake immediately.
Public commenters concentrated on the Canyon Crest Academy Foundation (CCAF) and asked the board to reduce administrative fees, ensure district access to foundation accounts and make contributions to the district general fund optional for donors. Several parents asked that facility‑rental arrangements handled by foundations be clarified and, if necessary, moved under district control.
"A 25% fee from parent donations is excessive and unfair," one commenter said, urging a reduction to 5% so funds reach clubs and classrooms. Student speakers and parents called for a binding MOU with consequences for noncompliance, elected foundation boards (rather than appointment behind closed doors), greater financial disclosure of salaries and event net revenues and district access to foundation accounts.
Several commenters urged the board to expand the audit scope to earlier years and to commission a forensic review if irregularities persisted. "If the foundation refuses to comply, the district should disqualify it and allow other foundations to step in," one parent said.
Staff told the board the MOU will address facility‑use roles and other recommendations and said staff will return with progress reports. The item was presented as information and the board did not vote on a specific MOU at this meeting; trustees thanked speakers and requested regular updates on MOU development and foundation compliance.
Outcome: staff committed to a timeline (draft MOU Oct/Nov; final MOU by December) and to pursue policy or administrative regulation changes as needed; community members requested additional forensic review and binding enforcement language.
