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.
Priscilla "Penny" Wightman, MS, CPA
Ms. Penny Wightman is Associate Professor of Accounting
and Finance at Hartwick College (1996-present). Penny has been a member of
the Oneonta City School District Board of Education since 2002. She chairs
the district’s Audit and Finance Committee. Ms. Wightman is a member of
the NYS Society of Certified Public Accountant’s Public School
Committee. She has Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) accreditation
in Internal Audit Quality Assessment. Penny’s experience in accounting,
auditing, and insight into school operations strengthens her presentation.
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
Greater Southern Tier BOCES (LEA)
Anthony Micha, District Superintendent
James M. Merrins, Executive Program Administrator
