Taxpayers and families across St. Peters are confused and upset over a recent Francis Howell District audit, in which the final rating was poor. However, the controversy over the situation continues to take place among the community. Taxpayers are frustrated and confused over where their money went and what this means for the community. In June 2020, voters approved the $93 million rebuild of FHN, which eventually became $165 million. When the audit was released, taxpayers were surprised to see the building cost estimate had doubled. The poor communication and follow-up between the board and other district officials, among other things, contributed to the low rating of FHSD.
“It was the Jan. 19 board meeting, he suggested to the board that the district ask for a state audit report,” Carol Embree, Chief Financial officer of the district said.
The audit came back flagged with reports on the district’s transparency. Superintendent Kenneth Roumpos wanted to clear the chaos that was occurring within the controversy over the report, specifically clarifying the budgeting along with pushing clear communication about the new FHN building citizens voted on in 2020. Although many only see the negative effects, this report is already being used as constructive criticism and good feedback for district employees. Since this audit, plans have been made and employers are already working towards better outcomes in the future. It’s also important to point out that a lot of the conflicts that the audit “exposed” were problems that were already resolved.
“I think the fact that we have done so much, the new administration has done so much to affect the right change that needed to happen early on, before the audit was ever released,” Embree said. “I think that that’s made a huge impact in them understanding that this was a problem from the past that is no longer taking place. So that we already know people have fixed a problem. It makes you feel differently when you learn more about what the problem was.”
