Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audit And Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dothan board ends 20‑year relationship with Parsons Group, votes to seek ALSDE audit
Summary
The Dothan City Board of Education voted to terminate its contract with Parsons Group and approved a motion to pursue an Alabama State Department of Education audit. Staff warned switching auditors now could jeopardize federal audit deadlines and risk federal funding.
The Dothan City Board of Education voted Nov. 18 to terminate its engagement with Parsons Group as the district's auditor and to pursue an audit by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
The motions passed with majority support. The termination motion was moved by Ms. Ashley Davis and seconded by Mrs. Aurie Jenkins; the ALSDE audit motion was made by Mrs. Aurie Jenkins and seconded by Ms. Ashley Davis. Voting records show Dr. Julie Mullins‑Turner, Mr. Scott Childers, Ms. Ashley Davis and Mrs. Aurie Jenkins supported the motions; Dr. Franklin Jones and Mrs. Taiisha Walton opposed or raised concerns about the timing; Mrs. Brenda Guilford was not present.
Board members who backed the termination said the district's nearly two‑decade relationship with Parsons warranted exploring new firms after a leadership transition. Ms. Davis said the district has a new superintendent and board and that “it is time for a change,” according to meeting discussion.
District finance staff cautioned that replacing the current auditor at this stage carries operational risk. Mrs. Stephanie Walker told the board that the audit fieldwork was already behind schedule and that a new firm would have to start the engagement from scratch. She warned that missing the federal audit deadline (June 30) could trigger suspension of federal programs and funds, citing Title programs, the Child Nutrition Program and Head Start as at‑risk funding streams if the audit is not completed.
Board members pressed for clarity on the timeline and the legal framework for agenda additions that introduced these items; Dr. Franklin Jones asked for a written opinion on whether state open‑meetings law requires a super‑majority to add late agenda items.
The board did not specify a replacement firm at the meeting. Staff noted that engaging another independent CPA firm requires specialized school‑audit expertise and that a new firm would need sufficient time to complete the work.
