Recent internal audits of the North East Independent School District (NEISD) in San Antonio have highlighted several financial irregularities at two high schools and within the district’s library services department.
Steakhouse lunch leaves culinary arts account in the red
An audit of MacArthur High School showed that a culinary arts field trip to Ruth’s Chris Steak House resulted in a $549.48 lunch bill for four students and their teacher. The meal, which included lamb chops, ribeye steak, New York strip, and filet mignon, was charged to the school’s culinary arts account, which lacked sufficient funds. The account went negative because of insufficient fundraising and available cash.
NEISD executive director of communications Aubrey Chancellor said the teacher, a first‑year instructor unfamiliar with district rules, has since reimbursed the cost. “They spent hours at the restaurant. They were looking at food preparation in the back. Operations in the front,” Chancellor said. “The difference here is that a meal was had and that shouldn’t have taken place.”
Booster club bookkeeping problems and unpaid taxes
At Madison High School, an audit of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) booster club uncovered serious bookkeeping lapses. The parent‑run organization lacked key financial records, failed to obtain prior approval for many fundraisers, and spent more than twice its proposed budget. The former treasurer refused to turn over documents, delaying the audit by over two months.
Auditors also found that the booster club owed four years of back sales taxes, a $2,700 delinquency that was paid in early March. Of six treasurer’s reports examined, only one could be accurately reconciled, and many deposit records and receipt books were missing.
Library services purchasing concerns
A third audit examined NEISD’s library services department. Reviewers found that 55 % of purchasing card transactions had compliance issues, and the department spent roughly $2,200 on food and drinks for day‑to‑day use—far exceeding the $315 annual limit. The spending was nearly seven times the authorized amount.
District finances under pressure
These findings come as NEISD grapples with a general fund deficit of about $19 million this fall. Chancellor emphasized that efficient use of every dollar is essential, regardless of the deficit. “I would agree with that,” she said when asked about the significance of questionable spending. “It’s always important, regardless of deficit or not, to make sure that every dollar is being spent efficiently.”
NEISD is among roughly 5 % of Texas school districts that maintain an internal audit department, a resource also used by the larger Northside Independent School District.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
