UPDATE: Dec. 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Fayette County Public Schools Board Chairman Tyler Murphy sent the following letter to Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball:
UPDATE:
The Fayette County school board continues to work toward a new look in the future, and part of that includes a new look at how it handles its finances.
At Monday night’s school board meeting, it took that next step, approving a wide-ranging external audit to improve accountability and efficiency.
“The reality is public schools all across the nation are dealing with difficult challenges right now”, says Fayette County Schools Board Chairman Tyler Murphy. “We see it in Kentucky, we see it all across the country and so how do we navigate this difficult economic environment.”
Murphy adds that, while the challenges are many, the district has to regain the trust of the public after having to come up with solutions over the summer to fill a $16 million deficit in this year’s budget.
This examination follows an annual audit of Fayette County Public Schools that was completed last month and is in addition to a special review by Kentucky auditor Allison Ball.
“What I hope to learn from the audit is recommendations to improve processes and ensure that all of our district operations are functioning efficiently and effectively to maximize those dollars," said Murphy. “So I will trust those experts to do that work and do that job. Look, we’ll cooperate. Like I said tonight, leave no stone unturned.”
Murphy says the additional audit is simply a follow-through on a promise made in September to seek a thorough, independent review. It’s an important step as the board reaches out to the community in hopes of marching lockstep into the future.
“We do need to make sure that our processes are effective and that’s why we’re moving forward with this. We’re saying to the community that Hhey, we’re inviting an independent source to come in, someone that has no agenda, no focus other than the scope of work we’ve given them and they’re going to be honest and transparent with the results.' So, I would say let the process work out and it’s something that we want to be done right versus very quickly.”
The board also discussed the possibility of moving both boys and girls STEM programs into the new Rise STEM Academy building that’s under construction on Versailles Road. No action was taken.
They will also continue examining areas of growth in the district with an eye toward redistricting in 2028.
Original Story:
The Fayette County Board of Education voted on Monday to hire national accounting firm Weaver and Tidwell for a "comprehensive external operational and financial review," Board Chair Tyler Murphy said in a release.
The review will "provide a deep-dive assessment of our internal budget and financial controls, processes, and departmental operations" beyond the extent of a standard audit.
According to Murphy, the move was recommended by the district's independent Audit Committee, one the board sees as necessary to strengthen the trust of the public.
The scope of work, bids and proposals were reviewed by the committee prior to making a recommendation, and no district staff or board members participated in the process, the release said.
The firm's review will follow the scope developed by the Audit Committee and will supplement the state audit currently underway. The contract also allows for a forensic audit if areas of concern are identified.
"Our community has demanded accountability and action," Murphy said. "On Sept. 8 and 16, our school board voted unanimously to heed calls for an independent investigation, with one already underway. The Dec. 8 vote keeps that promise to commission a thorough, fact-based review that identifies specific, actionable improvements to strengthen our financial systems, uncover any potential wrongdoing, and protect the critical investments that are driving the success of our students and staff."
