School board hosts workshop on state audit report

The Manatee County School Board hosts a workshop today to talk about a report from the state’s Auditor General’s Office that found misuse of funds and lack of controls during the 2012-13 school year — some of which will threaten the district’s financial stability in the future. 

At today’s 3 p.m. workshop, 215 Manatee Avenue W., Manatee County School District staff will present the report’s findings to the board. The report says the misuse of funds and other blunders could cost the district $7.2 million, biting into the $10.3 million the administration is trying to save to meet state-mandated reserves. 

The state audit began in March and concluded with the release of the report Nov. 25. 

It finds mistakes as far back as 2005. 

The district has until Dec. 20 to respond to the report. 

District officials believe the costs can be reduced.

The district will receive findings from a second audit by the state, this one on grant-funded programs, later this month.

Later today, at 5:45 p.m., the school board will have its regular scheduled meeting.

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].