Jun 1, 2016 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – A state audit report released last week showed Central Greene School District did not go to bid on multiple technology purchases during the 2013-14 school year.

The periodic performance audit was conducted by the state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale from July 2011 to June 2014 to evaluate the district’s academics, governance, contracting, data integrity, school safety and bus driver requirements.

“We found that during the 2013-14 school year, the district purchased approximately 180 computers, cables and servers totaling $239,000 without obtaining bids from various technology equipment companies to determine that they were securing the best product at the lowest price,” the report states.

The school board, instead, chose a vendor based on a recommendation from Intermediate Unit 1 and “made several purchases from the company” that year, violating state requirements, according to the report.

The report also states that the district never finalized a maintenance services contract that began in 2013 and was not signed by both parties. As of March 3, the contract was still not signed, according to the report.

A previous business manager for the district told the auditor the contract wasn’t signed is because “there was some disagreement on the particular wording in some sections of the contract, which our solicitor is currently reviewing,” according to the report. The district’s solicitor, Kirk King, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Not having that contract signed could lead to “potential damaging and costly legal actions” for the district, the report said.

“In addition, although the administration works closely with the maintenance director, who is employed by this maintenance company, there is no formal review process to monitor compliance with the service contract,” the report said.

The audit was addressed to Superintendent Brian Uplinger and school board President Andrew Corfont, but neither returned phone messages seeking comment on the report. However, the report said the district’s management released a statement upon receipt of the audit findings.

“In the future, all technology equipment purchases will be acquired according to the PA School Code bid process and guidelines,” the statement said. “All contracts will be properly executed and monitored. The Board of Education will approve all equipment purchases through established thresholds as per the PA School Code and District policies.”

The audit report recommended the district follow the state school code and best practices when it comes to bidding and executing contracts.