Residents press district on audit deficiencies and ESA student participation

Several public commenters used the board’s public comment period to press the district on finance and participation policies.

Matthew Corrigan, who identified himself as a homeowner and full-time resident, highlighted recent correspondence from the Arizona Auditor General: he said a December 27 communication noted the district was no longer in noncompliance with the uniform system of financial records, but Corrigan cited outstanding issues (which he summarized from district correspondence) totaling 26 items — including 15 uncorrected, 10 partially corrected, and one new deficiency — and urged additional budget and accounting review.

During public comment, Renee Johnson asked the board to confirm how district policy treats ESA (Education Savings Account) students’ eligibility for school sports and activities. She said ESA rules permit participation in activities paid for with ESA funds and requested that the superintendent provide the board with district handbook language on ESA participation and put the item on a future agenda for policy discussion.

Superintendent Dr. Jay agreed to provide the district handbook language about ESA participation for board review and to bring the issue back for discussion at a future meeting.

The board took no formal action during public comment but directed staff to provide written policy guidance and to add ESA participation and related club policy items to a future agenda.