Board approves audit services recommendation, Carnegie contract and routine allocations; attorney briefs on court ruling

At its meeting the Covington Board of Education approved several routine but consequential items, including a recommendation to continue with auditing services, a two-year contract option with the Carnegie, a construction change order for the vocational project (BG23), and tentative SPDM allocations for next year.

Director Burchie told trustees the budget committee recommended staying with the district’s auditing firm at a proposed cost of $40,310 for fiscal year 26; board members noted audit costs have risen in recent years and staff pointed to expanded GASB standards and variable audit hours as drivers.

The board approved a contract option with the Carnegie covering up to two years; members noted the agreement includes an ability to exit if financial difficulties arise. A change order for the vocational project (BG23) was approved after the project representative presented the item. Trustees also approved tentative SPDM allocations after staff provided additional details on EL student ratios.

The board attorney briefed members on a Kentucky Supreme Court decision finding that a public body member’s personal device is not automatically a public record, while urging trustees to conduct board business through official channels such as board email to preserve transparency and records.

Other routine actions included approving the monthly warrants and the consent agenda (with three Latonia Elementary gym-roof items pulled for further detail) and a motion to excuse Mr. Gastright from the evening’s meeting. The board adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for May 14 at 5:30 p.m.