School Board Approves Broad External Audit

This deep-dive financial review will supplement the state examination.

The Fayette County Board of Education voted Dec. 8 to accept the recommendation of the Audit Committee to hire Weaver and Tidwell, a nationally ranked accounting firm, to conduct a comprehensive external operational and financial review. This decisive action underscores the board’s absolute commitment to fiscal stewardship and continuous improvement. It also follows months of work to streamline district processes, strengthen supports for students, and reinforce accountability.

We have listened carefully to our community, and this is a necessary next step to strengthen public trust. Our responsibility is two-fold: 

• To provide every child in our care with the opportunity and support they need to succeed
• To ensure that our district operates with the highest levels of transparency and efficiency

The review will follow the detailed scope developed by our independent Audit Committee of local financial experts. At the board’s request, the committee drafted the scope of work, solicited bids, and evaluated all proposals before making its recommendation. No district staff or board members participated in that process to protect the full independence of the review.

The review will provide a deep-dive assessment of our internal budget and financial controls, processes, and departmental operations. This goes well beyond the scope of a standard compliance audit and will directly inform improvements aligned with our New Way Forward strategic plan. The contract also provides an opportunity to conduct a forensic audit of any areas of concern identified.

We appreciate and respect Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball and the special examination her team has undertaken. Our intent is for Weaver and Tidwell to augment Ball’s work – not to replace or duplicate efforts. And we remain committed to good faith collaboration and clear communication with them.

Our community has demanded accountability and action. On Sept. 8 and 16, our school board voted unanimously to heed calls for an independent investigation, with one already underway. The Dec. 8 vote keeps that promise to commission a thorough, fact-based review that identifies specific, actionable improvements to strengthen our financial systems, uncover any potential wrongdoing, and protect the critical investments that are driving the success of our students and staff.

— Tyler Murphy, chairman, Fayette County Board of Education