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Forensic Audit Approved by East Haven Board of Education

A forensic audit and creation of the scope of the audit based on cost and exploratory work for the business office was approved by the Board of Education (BOE) during a regular meeting held on Nov. 28. The audit will look at the accounting practices that resulted in $918,000 in overspending from the 2015-’16 Board of Education budget.

A forensic audit had been discussed at prior meetings, but nothing had been approved. BOE member Christine Maisano asked the board to approve the audit, saying that she felt the board needed to act on the opinion of the BOE’s attorney, who recommended doing one.

Interim Business Manager Richard Huot recommended coming up with a scope for the audit and then getting estimates from auditors, saying the scope is what drives the cost. BOE member Thomas Hennessey said he has a list of things he wants checked and wants answers to.

Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti suggested the audit begin after hiring someone for the finance manager position, which the board did on Dec. 4 during a special BOE meeting. Forti asked for and received approval to hire Lynn Boisvert. Forti said Boisvert’s start date would depend on how much notice her current employer would require. Her salary is $84,500.

At a finance subcommittee meeting on Nov. 28, Forti said three candidates were interviewed for the finance manager position and that two, including Boisvert, rose to the top. Forti wanted to invite both back for another interview, but the other candidate withdrew after being informed the salary was non-negotiable.

Huot said at the same meeting that Boisvert was his top choice for the role as well, saying she had more than 10 years of experience in two districts, and added during the regular meeting that she’s well-versed in what she’s doing.

The finance manager position came about when BOE members discussed removing some responsibilities from the business manager position and creating two positions in the business office (one union and one non-union).

The finance manager would remain a union job, but responsibilities such as food services, transportation, and grounds would fall under another position. That position has not been finalized and is still up for discussion by the BOE.

Also at the special meeting on Dec. 4, the BOE voted approve the job posting for the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, which was Forti’s position before she was promoted.

Forti said at the Nov. 28 meeting on that hiring someone in that role would show an emphasis on student learning and have deep focus on teaching, learning, instruction, and assessment.