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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Board of Education approved a measure to conduct a forensic audit, as well as the school district's levy rates for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
The proposal for the forensic audit had been discussed during the board's last regular meeting, but received a 2-2 vote.
"You had some questions at the last meeting," Superintendent Tim Woodward said prior to the vote approving a contract with Litcon LLC.
Woodward said the forensic audit would include three phases, with the first to cost no more than $5,000. The second phase will include any other costs, while the third phase will involve the presentation of any findings.
Roger Hunter, of law firm Bowles Rice, explained a forensic audit typically researches a specific area of the school district's finances.
"It's like a laser beam focused on a specific area," Hunter said, although neither he nor members of the board would discuss what would be looked at.
Board member Caroll Rosenlieb said the forensic audit had been recommended to the board by the West Virginia Department of Education.
The contract with Litcon LLC was approved by a 3-2 vote, with board members Tim Reinard and Dan Kaser voting against.
In other business, the board unanimously approved the setting of the district's levy rates, as described in the levy approved by voters last fall.
According to the levy call, Class 1 properties will be at 22.95 cents per $100 of assessed value; Class 2 properties at 45.90 cents per $100; Class 3 at 91.80 cents per $100; and Class 4 at 91.80 cents per $100.
Board Chair Michelle Chappell asked about any potential overages of funding once the appropriate amounts are distributed.
Hunter said any additional funding should be divided among the projects already described in the levy call.
"We would recommend you stay within the guardrails," Hunter said.
Also Tuesday, the board heard Faculty Senate/Local School Improvement Council reports from representatives of Allison Elementary, New Manchester Elementary, Oak Glen Middle and Oak Glen High School, with each discussing the various programs and initiatives undertaken during the current school year.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)