LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) -- An audit of Kentucky's largest school district uncovers nepotism and an administrative staff getting paid more than they should. But the 70 pages are not all bad news for Jefferson County Public Schools.
"This is good news that we are going to fix these problems," said JCPS board chairman Steve Imhoff. Two outside auditors hired from the Gheens Foundation outlined 20 findings with 18 recommendations. They say many of the district's central office staff at VanHoose are paid more than personal at similar districts, creating potential conflicts of interest in teacher negotiations.
"So we're recommending that the superintendent commission an external study of administrative compensation structures by a qualified financial accounting firm," says one auditor, Dr. William Poston.
He and Dr. Fenwick English criticized the district's hiring process of administrative staff which strongly favors internal promotions. They said any advertisement of positions didn't go further than the Kentucky border. "This of course eliminates the possibility of finding better or more qualified individuals for those positions," said Poston.
The auditors also said nepotism played a strong role in who got hired and it often impacted morale. "Imagine if you apply for a position but it hadn't even been posted but somebody got hired and you didn't even have chance to apply," said Poston. "What impact would that have on one's morale."
Auditors say the central office needs to eliminate 36 positions, with 31 one of them being reestablished. Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens says there are no guarantees when it comes to job securities. "There is a possibility someone would interview and not be the most qualified person for the position."
Her superintendent cabinet is one place that will lose positions as it streamlines from 17 to five. While this audit mainly focuses on the administrative staff, it did mention high poverty students tend to have less experienced teachers. Board chairman Steve Imhoff vowed to take the auditors' recommendations seriously. "This will be on our minds and the board's mind and on Dr. Hargens mind throughout each and every day of this coming year," said Imhoff
On a positive note, auditors say the district doesn't overspend on instruction. They also say the size of the central office staff is not excessive.
In 30 days, the district will release its big $300,000, 400-page curriculum audit.
Copyright 2011 WDRB News. All Rights Reserved.
