Audit Committee Training

Why This Workshop is Important

New York State school districts have been reacting to fraud in some districts, Chapter 263 legislation, and NYS Comptroller audits. Chapter 263 requires the appointment of an Audit Committee in each school district. This came as a new impact on most school districts. However, similar accountability legislation has been in operation among New York State government departments, including the SUNY universities and colleges, for over ten years. NYS government departments have been through all of the struggles that are now impacting school districts. Their organizational experiences provide us with guidance and insights, including how an organization reacts to accountability legislation, the displacement of traditional oversight roles, and the acceptance of new roles responsibilities.

The Accountability of School Districts legislation brings a mandated change to school districts, both financial and operational. The questions addressed by this workshop may determine if your school district will also benefit from this new powerful tool.

The presentation team for this workshop blends the backgrounds of an experienced school administrator, a government audit executive, and a accounting professor and experienced board member. The team’s presentation is meant to highlight the Audit Committee actions needed to meet the accountability legislation.

Workshop Faculty

Mark Mitchell, CIA, CGFM

Mr. Mark Mitchell is a NYS Government Audit Executive (1995 to present). He teaches internal control use to state managers and employees. Mark is Chair-elect of the NYS Internal Control Association (NYSICA). As a member of the NYS Internal controls Task Force (ICTF) he edited the Internals Controls Implementation Guide (www.nysica.com). Mr. Mitchell is Past President of the Capital Region chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Mark’s years of experience in teaching and monitoring internal controls makes him a valued member of this presentation team.

James M. Merrins, Ed.D., SDA, SBA

Dr. Jim Merrins is Executive Program Administrator for the Greater Southern Tier BOCES. He administers the statewide Superintendent Development Program, and numerous fiscal workshops for superintendents and senior school administrators, including Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents, Everything is Negotiable, At the Table Negotiating Skills, and the School Business Officials Training and Support Program. Jim has 34 years experience in school administration, including 16 years as a Superintendent in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. Dr. Merrins is NYS certified as a School Business Administrator. Dr. Merrins taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges for several years.

Sponsor

Sponsored and administered by
Educational Leadership Institute
James M. Merrins, Ed.D., Executive Program Administrator
SUNY Oswego - School of Education
Linda Rae Markert, Ed.D., Dean
Department of Educational Administration
Suzanne Gilmore, Ed.D., Chairperson