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Williston board presses administration for long‑range financial plan after audit concerns
Summary
Following an update on monthly financials and an ongoing state audit that uncovered missing documentation from past business‑office turnover, the Williston School Board voted to request additional evidence and a long‑range financial plan by April 2026.
Board members expressed concern about audit findings and gaps in supporting documentation during a lengthy finance report that included bank reconciliation delays and ongoing state auditor work on prior‑year records.
Administration warned the district faces significant findings tied to turnover in the business office after the district merger and said auditors may present their report in January or February. The finance presenter described steps to improve record retention, including a July 1 requirement to scan all documents into an electronic file cabinet and weekly department meetings to standardize processes.
Board members characterized the situation as unacceptable and sought stronger oversight. After discussion, a motion that the board accept the administration’s interpretation as "reasonable" but request follow‑up and additional information carried; the board set a deadline for additional evidence and a detailed long‑range financial plan by April 2026. The motion was amended and carried on a roll call.
Separately, the board reviewed OE‑5 monitoring material on multi‑year financial planning and site‑level per‑student budgets, and approved a recommendation that planning committee and finance staff produce the requested projections and documentation. The board also authorized administration to publicly solicit bids for Sloan school furniture, fixtures and equipment with an anticipated installation in mid‑May.
No suspension of procurement or contracts was ordered; the board’s action focuses on documentation, monitoring and a timeline for corrective planning.
