Board receives update on implementing House Bill 845 and auditor nomination

Chief of staff Mike McGowan briefed the board on local implementation steps for House Bill 845, which the board was told was approved by the General Assembly on April 2 and signed by the governor on May 14.

McGowan said the board received a list of nominations that included a sole provider, the firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram, and that the board had sought an opinion from the school board attorney. According to McGowan, the attorney found no conflict between HB 845 and general statutes. McGowan said the superintendent and finance staff have held an introductory call with the nominated auditor and that the board chair and vice chair met with Representative Ridley; no additional implementation requirements were articulated by the representative.

McGowan told the board staff have requested a scope of work, timeline and cost estimates from the auditor and expect that information by the January meeting. The board did not take final action on auditor selection at the work session; staff said they would present details and recommendations once the scope and costs are available.