Board approves forensic audit, contract amendments and labor ratification

In addition to the TWI consolidation and the special‑education audit presentation, the board on Jan. 26 approved several administrative actions.

The board voted to hire Crow LLP as the forensic auditing firm to perform an agreed scope of work covering FY21–FY24; trustees discussed whether public interviews of shortlisted firms should be held and agreed to proceed with Crow LLP. The forensic audit motion carried on a recorded roll call as presented.

Trustees approved an amendment to the existing contract with Berger Contractors Inc. ($433,800) to incorporate scope of work for Foster site demolitions, excavations and aggregates; administration characterized the change as a technical consolidation that does not add funding beyond previously allocated amounts.

The board ratified a contract with the Evanston Teacher Assistants Association; members thanked bargaining team members and teaching assistants. The board also approved the January slate of contracts over $25,000, including a professional‑development arrangement with Dual Language Education (New Mexico) focused at Bessie Rhodes and a not‑to‑exceed $200,000 Spotter Staffing agreement for temporary specialized staff — administration said those expenditures were drawn from already‑budgeted funds.

Votes on the listed contracts and ratifications were recorded by roll call and passed by the majorities reflected in the transcript; where the transcript recorded unanimous or 6‑0 tallies those results are reflected in meeting minutes.