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Resident speakers urge board to halt capital project and answer finance questions
Summary
At the April 14 Buckeye Board of Education meeting, two public commenters pressed trustees for details on the district’s finances — including an alleged $32 million shift to a capital project — and said they’ve filed a complaint with the state auditor seeking investigation; trustees acknowledged the complaint and said staff are working with auditors and the county budget commission.
Several residents used the board’s public-comment period on April 14 to press the Buckeye Board of Education for more details about the district’s finances and a pending capital project.
David Mistler told the board he has asked questions for 10 years and said property taxes have risen sharply for his household. He criticized how the district has spent prior levy revenue and said he believes maintenance needs were not addressed despite voters approving an operating levy years ago.
Susie Whittinger raised multiple specific questions: who manages the district’s Facebook page and what the social-media policy is; exactly how the finance committee plans to cover an anticipated $8 million in capital-project costs; who serves on the finance committee; and how the board plans for future repairs and maintenance of existing school buildings.
Whittinger also told the board she has filed misappropriation and fraud complaints with the state auditor, saying the district should not proceed with further spending on the capital project — which she characterized as “$32 million and counting” — while the auditor’s office is reviewing the matter. “Knowing there is an active complaint and investigation, this board should not move forward with any more actions or spending on this project until the matter is settled,” she said.
Superintendent Mark Stanton acknowledged the complaint and said the district had received verbal approvals related to the project but that those do not supersede any investigation. He did not announce a pause in project activity and told commenters the district is coordinating with the county budget commission and state auditors on budget matters.
Why it matters: Public commenters asked for transparency about large capital expenditures and for clarity on what funds are legally available for use. Board members and district staff repeatedly emphasized they are working with the county budget commission and the district’s auditors, and promised to provide documentation and answers through normal reporting channels.
What’s next: Trustees did not vote during public comment on pausing the capital project. Several finance items and appropriations were discussed later in the meeting and placed on the consent agenda for board action; commenters were told staff would continue to engage with auditors and provide follow-up information.
