Board authorizes RFP for possible seven‑year forensic financial and procurement audit

The board authorized administration to solicit proposals for a seven‑year forensic financial and procurement audit that would review general ledger activity, procurement practices, vendor selections, internal controls and potential irregularities over a multi‑year period. Lenny Nunez, the district's director of finance, said the purpose is to provide a comprehensive historical assessment and recommendations to strengthen controls.

"The purpose of this is to formally request board approval to engage an independent firm to conduct a comprehensive 7 year forensic audit of the organization's financial records and procurement activities," Nunez said. Board members questioned whether the district had lost confidence in prior auditors, asked about potential costs (Nunez cited preliminary ranges and initial fees), and debated whether those funds were the best use of limited resources. Administrators said the RFP step will produce firm cost estimates and the board will receive proposals for final approval before any contract is awarded.

The motion to issue the RFP passed after discussion. Administration said the RFP responses and any recommended contract would be brought back to the board for a final decision; the administration also committed to present the projected cost alongside other district needs so trustees could make an informed funding choice.