Problems in FBISD (see FB Sun article)-

This article just in from the FB Sun covers the investigation of past Board of Trustee's and administrators in FBISD (click on title link to read entire article). They are discussing this article at http://www.save-our-schools.blogspot.com/ and here on http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com:

Probe identifies lack of financial control, oversight in FBISD

By: Diane Tezeno, News Reporter
12/2005


Fort Bend ISD trustees received a report from Lloyd E. Kelley and Mir Fox & Rodriguez, P.C., an investigative team at the Dec. 19 board meeting, which went well past midnight into the wee hours of Tuesday.


Responding to allegations by John Griffin, director of risk management for FBISD, the board commissioned the investigation by Kelley.

The report reveals multiple violations of FBISD policy, including failures in financial control and oversight, violations of the education code, operating budget and financial ethics policies, interference with a district investigation, improper settlement of a lawsuit, improper use of outside legal counsel, improper administration of the district's medical plan and improper procedures regarding supplemental pay.

The investigative team has determined that Superintendent Betty Baitland failed to institute sufficient financial controls to prevent the business and finance department from incurring in excess of $1 million in debt. The team also cited at least two instances where the board of trustees was not informed, nor were they afforded the opportunity to approve debt incurred in excess of $25,000.

The report also suggests that Baitland turned a blind eye to several improprieties brought to her attention by the Internal Audit department involving improper approval of several supplemental pay issues. Findings of the report reveal that discipline for these improprieties was not initiated until a threat was made to make the board of trustees aware of the situation.

After release of the report, Dupre forwarded an email to various media sources and others in attendance at the board meeting who received a copy of the report. In the email, Dupre called the report "libelous in nature, and indicated that the knowing publication of such material would amount to slander of his person. He indicated that certain information contained in both the written and oral report personally identifies him by title and function, and because certain data reported about him is false and defamatory in nature, that report should have been presented in executive session and copies of the report should have been presented only to board members. Dupre goes on to say, "It is inappropriate to distribute the report and perpetuate the false information and data included therein."

The report, distributed during open session, cites several alleged violations by Dupre in his role as associate superintendent of business and finance, involving numerous exceptions to the workers compensation and medical insurance coverages which were outside the scope and intent of the policy.

Dupre indicated his know-ledge of the exceptions and stated that he voiced his concern regarding them, however failed to institute appropriate controls to prevent the approval of the exceptions.

Also after receiving professional advice to increase dental plan premiums to offset a $200,000 plus deficit in the district's dental plan, Dupre made a "business decision" to continue the plan without increasing rates.

During the investigation, Dupre acknowledged accepting meals at local restaurants from prospective FBISD vendors, and further he declined to sign the standard confidentiality agreement, and instead signed a modified version of the agreement that permits the acceptance of meals from prospective vendors.

The report also concluded that Dupre violated the district's Financial Ethics Policy when he asked the inside counsel to identify individuals who had been interviewed by the investigative team. Dupre then proceeded to meet with each of those interviewed, as well as those on the list to be interviewed, compromising the confidentiality of the investigation. Results of the investigation also showed Dupre's involvement in the improper settlement of a lawsuit regarding a claim which had been originally denied by FBISD and the third party medical plan administrator. He was also shown in violation of procedures for approving various supplemental pay increases. . . .--CLICK on the link above for the rest of the story and then come back and discuss it here or at the site posted above--




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