Community members call for forensic audit and greater transparency in district finances and foundation relationship

Several members of the public used the board’s comment period to urge a forensic audit of district finances and to press for clearer governance of the Foundation for Excellence.

Louise Lynch told the board she had reviewed financial materials and asked for a forensic audit, citing several examples she described as "troubling": an alleged $19,000 charge described as a tip on a district credit card, flights she said listed as over $38,000, a self‑approved procurement payment of about $2,000, and large same‑day parking fees at area airports. Lynch left packets for the board and said professionals had reviewed the materials she provided. "This is not acceptable," she said during the three‑minute public‑comment slot.

Later in the meeting a lengthy discussion about the district’s MOU with the Foundation for Excellence produced legal counsel’s explanation that the foundation is a separate 501(c)(3), that foundation staff can be hired on district payroll and reimbursed, and that the MOU governs in‑kind services and reimbursement arrangements. Board member Pamela Penn Hicks raised concerns about accountability where public funds are involved and asked to change MOU language so a board member "shall" serve as an ex officio member of the foundation board. Legal counsel said the entities are legally separate but the MOU can carry contractual terms; the board approved the MOU as submitted and agreed to explore changes and additional disclosure going forward.

The board did not vote on a forensic audit request during the meeting; staff and legal counsel indicated available options for oversight and reimbursement terms in the MOU and the board asked staff to return with additional information and to consider policy steps to enhance transparency.