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Audit committee votes to add comprehensive MNPS performance audit after reports on renovations and payroll
Summary
Committee approved amending the audit plan to add a comprehensive performance audit of Metro Nashville Public Schools after presentations on a superintendent‑office renovation investigation (allegation unsubstantiated) and a payroll audit that found documentation and process improvements needed.
The Audit Committee voted to amend its annual work plan to include a comprehensive performance audit of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), following staff presentations on an unsubstantiated allegation about superintendent‑office renovations and findings from an MNPS payroll audit.
Audit staff reported that an investigation into alleged wasteful spending for a bathroom renovation in the MNPS superintendent’s office found the project was included in MNPS capital planning, appropriately procured through an on‑contract vendor, reviewed by an architect for reasonableness, completed within the contractor’s timeline and supported by progress photos and invoices; auditors said the allegation was unsubstantiated.
Separately, auditors presented a payroll audit of two fiscal years for MNPS. The audit found most employees were paid accurately and on time and that MNPS had migrated to Oracle Time & Labor to improve timekeeping. Auditors identified three medium‑risk observations: missing or unsigned time‑sheet supporting documentation for some hourly employees (partly addressed by Oracle migration), delayed termination of system access for separated employees (training and process changes reported), and nonstandard procedures for handling physical checks (standardization and logs are in process).
Committee members debated next steps for a proposed comprehensive MNPS performance audit. Audit staff explained the FY27 budget request ($800,000) for a full audit and recommended using a consultant with K–12 expertise; staff outlined options for procurement (mini RFP among existing consultants to speed start vs. full public RFP with potentially broader bidders but a much longer timeline). Members discussed independence, transparency, equity lenses and stakeholder input in scoping the work. The committee moved to add a comprehensive operational and performance audit of MNPS to the audit plan; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
The committee directed audit staff to pursue procurement options and to return with scope and process recommendations; staff suggested engaging consultants for a mini‑RFP to leverage current contracts and speed the work, with the possibility of subsequent full RFP if committee members remain unsatisfied.
The audit‑plan amendment initiates scoping and procurement work; staff will report progress and options to the committee in follow‑up meetings.
