Clarkston school board authorizes outside counsel and forensic audit after suspected financial misconduct

The Clarkston Community School District board voted to hire outside legal counsel and commission a forensic audit after district leaders reported suspected financial misconduct, President Crane said during the meeting.

"Last week, our district leadership took immediate action when financial misconduct was discovered," President Crane said, announcing an additional agenda item authorizing a comprehensive investigation and an outside forensic audit. The resolution to appoint legal counsel and begin the audit was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote.

The board took the action at an open meeting after a closed session for attorney–client communication. President Crane said the board had added Item 6.2 to the agenda so legal counsel could conduct a thorough review; "Once the investigation is complete, legal counsel will report all findings to the board and appropriate corrective actions will be taken to prevent this from happening again," Crane said.

Board members voted unanimously in favor of the resolution. The roll call shows Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Egan, Mrs. Crane (president), Mr. Hyer, Ms. McGuinness and Mr. Need voting yes; Mr. Clark was not present, having left during closed session for a family emergency. The resolution’s motion text recorded in the minutes was: "I move to adopt the resolution to appoint legal counsel for investigation and a forensic audit of financial matters as presented."

The board also approved the consent agenda as revised and voted to approve listed personnel changes (Action Item 6.1) during the same meeting. No members of the public addressed the board during the citizen request period.

The board noted no report items and confirmed the next regular meeting will be Monday, April 13 after spring break. The meeting adjourned following the approved motions.