KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |Audit: public schools lax in financial management
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Associated Press - November 19, 2009 5:55 PM ET
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Legislative auditors say school districts have poor financial management that's allowing waste and abuse of public money.
Auditors examined five districts and identified questionable spending, including the purchase of a $91,000 tow truck by Bernalillo Public Schools. The truck was sold to another school district less than a year later for $75,000.
The Bernalillo district also bought three sport utility vehicles from an out-of-state dealer. Auditors said the price appeared to be too high.
The audit was outlined Thursday to the Legislative Finance Committee. School officials told lawmakers they are taking steps to tighten their financial controls.
The audit is likely to provide ammunition for lawmakers who say schools must share in spending cuts to balance the state budget.
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