The most notable topic dominating the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the district’s audit report. Led by Jeff Bliss of Lurch Vincy Bliss, the audit revealed a clean opinion on the district’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, but underscored several areas needing improvement. Concerns were raised about payroll practices, emphasizing the need for accurate payroll transfers and the review of employee payroll deductions. Some balances were flagged as questionable, with suggestions to revise them to reflect actual amounts owed, particularly where negative balances of approximately $2.1 million were noted.

The audit further criticized the documentation process for payroll deductions and overtime calculations, revealing discrepancies with employment contract terms. Issues included incorrect hourly rates for some employees and unauthorized stipends. The report stressed the importance of maintaining timesheets for audit purposes, especially for Casper program employees. The district was urged to conduct payroll check distribution verification, which was overdue since 2019, and to address open purchase orders and year-end liabilities accurately. The Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), with financial implications, was highlighted for requiring improved financial reporting and board approval for payments.

The board’s response to the audit report was marked by confusion and urgency. Some members expressed concern over the lack of access to the audit documents, prompting a request for clarification and the need for a special meeting to review the report comprehensively. The possibility of noncompliance penalties loomed if the board failed to acknowledge receipt of the report within the mandated timeframe. The necessity for a corrective action plan within 45 days was emphasized, with a deadline set for June 30, 2025, to rectify the identified issues.

In tandem with the audit discussion, the board voted on a resolution to amend policy zero one six seven, effectively abolishing remote participation for public comments during board meetings. This decision, made after a thorough debate, emphasized a return to in-person attendance only. The change was partly attributed to new information regarding building accessibility for individuals with disabilities, which had shifted some trustees’ perspectives. Despite differing opinions, the amendment was passed, mandating physical presence for public engagement.

Public comments during the meeting further reflected community concerns, particularly regarding hiring practices and student safety. One speaker, Karen Hines, expressed dissatisfaction with her exclusion from consideration for an assistant budget officer position, questioning the transparency and fairness of the hiring process. Another speaker, Elizabeth Perry, echoed these concerns, alleging favoritism and inconsistencies in promotion practices within the district. The board acknowledged these issues, with some members expressing disappointment over the recurring nature of such complaints and emphasizing the need for standard operating procedures to ensure transparency.

In addition to hiring practices, student safety was a focal point of public comments. A parent shared a distressing account of their child’s experience of alleged inappropriate behavior in school, criticizing the school officials’ handling of the incident and the lack of timely communication. This highlighted broader concerns about the district’s response to serious allegations and the need for improved communication and procedural adherence to protect students.

Facility improvements were also discussed, with a focus on bathroom renovations at schools 25 and 23, as highlighted by Jim Nelson, a parent and former president of the PS25 Nicholas Copernicus Parent Council. Nelson advocated for coordination between renovations and energy savings plans, emphasizing environmental assessments and water testing to ensure public health safety.