This is a day for updates. Word from the State Auditor and Inspector’s office about the ongoing audit of Luther Public Schools: Don’t expect anything until the end of January.
A citizens petition to call for the audit was approved almost one year ago.
SAI Spokesman Trey Davis said one of the auditors working on the Luther case is finishing up another audit, and then will be back here to finish work on the looking at the books of Luther Public Schools. A report is expected in January 2017.
So many audits. Makes one wonder about accountability when it comes to public funds. Here is a list of the ongoing and bullpen audits by the state agency. Check the SAI website to read any of the audits.
In Progress:
Town of Boynton
Town of Chelsea
Town of Copan
Town of Coyle
Town of Mannsville
Town of Marland
Town of Talihina
City of Bristow
City of Cleveland
City of Duncan – Retirement
Luther Public Schools
Wynnewood Public Schools
Tulsa County Sheriff Inmate Trust Fund
Pending:
Town of Hartshorne
Town of Stonewall
Town of Wapanucka
City of Lamont
Gage Public Schools
Delaware County Solid Waste Authority
As for the Luther audit, the citizens’ petition asked to look at the following (at a minimum):
- Review possible mishandling of 2012 and 2013 bond project funds including but not limited to determining if any bond proceeds were expended on non-bond-related projects.
- Review of board policies, procedures and custodial recordkeeping for possible irregularities in school activity accounts.
- Review of personnel contracts and certification to determine that all personnel requiring certification are certified in the area in which they are employed and review the creation of Dean of Students for possible violation of Oklahoma nepotism statutes and district hiring procedures.
- Review expenditure and possible misuse of federal, state, and private grant funds including almost $90,000 in questioned costs identified in FY14 financial statement audit report.
One of the more controversial aspects of the call for the audit for the financially strapped school district has been the cost, up to $40,000 which will be paid by LPS, according to state law. The bill on the audit would be due before the final audit is released, however, the SAI Office said it would entertain payment options for financially strapped entities.
