JLAC keeps pressure on small Mohave district; Valentine ordered to provide quarterly updates

Auditor General staff told the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that Valentine Elementary School District in Mohave County has been in noncompliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records since August 2025 and has been slow to implement corrective actions. Megan Heager told the committee the district had corrected some items but still had numerous open deficiencies and that required supporting documents were sometimes submitted late or meetings were missed.

Superintendent Cliff Angle told JLAC his district is making what he described as “some progress” while facing severe staffing limits and decades-old gaps in board policies and financial processes. He said the county school superintendent’s office and Auditor General staff had provided help and guidance and that the district has reprioritized staff responsibilities and training.

Committee members pressed for faster progress, noting prior follow‑up reviews and missed deadlines. The committee voted to continue receiving quarterly updates from the district and to send a letter to the Arizona State Board of Education highlighting the district’s continued noncompliance. The motion also authorizes JLAC to pursue any additional actions it deems necessary if progress stalls.

JLAC emphasized that the corrective process can require time for small single‑school districts with constrained staff, but members urged the district to hire short‑term assistance if needed and to work closely with Auditor General staff to close outstanding items.

The committee did not direct immediate withholding of state aid during this meeting, but it signaled willingness to escalate oversight if timely corrective action is not sustained.