File photo.
An independent audit of executive expenses at School District 61 produced a passing grade, although there were a couple variations to government expectations.
B.C. Auditor General Carol Bellringer says overall, the Greater Victoria School District’s financial records are complete and accurate.
Bellringer added there were no instances of inappropriate or non-business expenses, but the report says District 61 did not disclose all expenses required because of its understanding of the Financial Information Act.
The auditor general found the district only disclosed expenses where employees could be seen to receive personal benefits, like attending a conference.
Bellringer says the school district failed to disclose about $145,000 in expenses over two years or almost 60% of the total expenses for the six staff sampled in the audit.
“We disagreed with this interpretation of the act,” Bellringer said.
“The Ministry of Education confirmed our interpretation, specifically that all expenses should be disclosed.”
The report disagreed with the district paying bills directly through corporate purchasing cards for staff and taking the financial risk of their expenses, rather than reimbursing employees to pay first.
Bellringer says other school districts in the province should read the report and ensure they are managing and fully disclosing employee expenses.
Andy Neal
