As far as audits go, the current probe into specific allegations
against the Morgan Hill School District is rather skimpy.
As far as audits go, the current probe into specific allegations against the Morgan Hill School District is rather skimpy.
While we are not quite so blasé as Trustee Del Foster, who considers this “just another audit,” we now see that the scope is nothing near as broad as was originally envisioned by many.
According to FCMAT headquarters, its charge is to delve into the allegations of fraud, gross mismanagement of public funds and violation of state contract code, education code and the Brown Act.
But that is the extent of it. There will be no site visits, no discussion with district employees except those immediately concerned with the charges, unless a district employee takes the initiative to contact FCMAT themselves.
We believe the scope of the audit should be broadened. Trustees must request FCMAT to evaluate the district using the list of predictors given on its website. There are many appropriate starting points: employee morale, for instance, encroachment upon reserves for another.
In short, while we welcome the audit and look forward to the report and any recommendations for improvement so that the district can once again get down to the business of educating our children, it does not go far enough.
There are problems in our school district. It doesn’t appear that trustees are moving in the direction of solving those problems or directing that administrators offer solutions to the problems.
The next step should be for the board to ask FCMAT for a full review of district management and fiscal operations.
Failing that, three board seats will be on the November ballot.
