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Multiple members of the public spoke on Monday, April 28, at the Franklin City Council meeting to call for a full, forensic audit of the Franklin City School Board, and a majority of council members expressed openness to that possibility.

Investopedia.com states that a forensic audit “examines and evaluates a firm’s or individual’s financial records to derive evidence used in a court of law or legal proceeding.”

In a phone interview following the City Council meeting Monday evening, School Board Chairman Robert Holt indicated the board has nothing to hide and would have no fear of such an audit.

Former School Board Member Carrie Johnson was the first to mention a forensic audit April 28 as she spoke during the Citizens’ Time portion of the City Council meeting.

“I understand that you’re probably tired of hearing about the School Board and tired of hearing about the superintendent, but frankly the citizens are kind of tired too,” she said. “We’re tired of being ignored, tired of the broken trust and tired of paying higher taxes while public funds are possibly being mismanaged behind closed doors.

“I’m not here tonight to rehash old arguments, I really don’t want any drama, but I am asking for good governance, and I am asking for action,” she said. “I believe it’s time for the City Council to demand a full, forensic audit of the School Board, covering in the years not just under (Franklin City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carlton) Carter but under Carter and (former FCPS Superintendent Dr. Tamara) Sterling, to include a pay equity analysis and a complete review of how local, state, federal and grant funds have been spent.

“Maybe you can get answers to questions that I had when I was on the board about pay, stipends and job descriptions that were constantly swept under the rug, why some people are paid twice as what other people are paid in the same position while teachers at lower steps are sometimes paid higher than other teachers,” she continued. “The taxpayers deserve to know whether their money has been handled ethically, fairly and legally. Public trust has been shattered and no amount of fatigue excuses the responsibility to rebuild it.”

She noted that when those responsible for the oversight, like board leadership, have been part of the problem, the accountability must come from the outside. 

“That’s why the audit must be truly independent and forensic,” she said. “If Southampton County can step up and demand transparency, so can we. The failure to act just because it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable is only deepening the public’s mistrust. This isn’t about politics, it’s about restoring integrity and making sure that when citizens, like myself, pay higher taxes that the money is truly spent for the public good. 

“We deserve answers and accountability, and if City Council can’t demand it, who will?” she said

Pam Lease echoed some of Johnson’s points when she spoke later, adding that the forensic audit “should also cover the time periods when Dr. Sterling and Dr. Carter served as superintendents during which Mr. Holt served on the board. As chairman, Mr. Holt has influence over what information about the budget and spending is shared with the public.”

In conclusion, Lease said to council members, “Let me be clear — we will not stop fighting for accountability. We, the taxpayers, deserve better, the teachers and staff who work tirelessly for our students deserve better, and most importantly our children, the students of Franklin City Public Schools, deserve much better. Thank you for your time, and I urge you to act swiftly on behalf of the people that you serve.”

Following are selected excerpts from the Council Comments portion of the meeting later in the evening.

Ward 1 Councilman Mark R. Kitchen said, “I’m all for putting in whatever type of (Freedom of Information Act) request or anything to bring to light any malfeasance.”

Ward 6 Councilwoman Jessica G. Banks said, “I’m just going to say, if evidence is found, I’m all for a forensic audit.”

Ward 5 Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Wynndolyn H. Copeland said, “I follow Mr. Kitchen as well as Ms. Banks concerning the audit.”

Ward 2 Councilman Richard Grizzard said, “I would like to continue with everyone else’s decision on that forensic audit.”

Franklin Mayor Paul Kaplan said, “I’m also in agreement with investigating how we can do that in a forensic audit. I’m very concerned with the expenditures the School Board has had.”

In a phone interview later Monday evening, Holt said, “We have an extraordinarily strong finance department, so I’m not concerned at all about any problems with any audit at all. I also would add I feel like it’s a huge waste of city money to get into an audit like that.”

But he made clear that “we have nothing to hide, and we’d be delighted to prove that everything is in good shape, so I have no fear about that.”