ALBANY –New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced last week that an audit was issued for the Ichabod Crane School District (called the Kinderhook Central School District by the state) due to procurement issues. The audit period was from July 1, 2016 to November 9, 2017.

According to a press release from the Comptroller’s Office, “district officials did not always procure goods and services in accordance with board policy. Although auditors found the purchases were for legitimate purposes, officials do not have assurance that goods and services are being procured in the most economical way.”

The audit objective was to determine whether the district procured goods and services in accordance with district policy and procedures.

The key findings include “district officials properly sought competition for 10 purchases totaling $1.2 million that exceeded General Municipal Law’s bidding requirements; district officials did not provide documentation that they obtained quotes prior to making three purchases totaling $18,174; and district officials were unable to provide documentation supporting their selection of four professional service providers paid a total of $76,781.”

The state recommendations were for the district: to review the procurement policy annually and make any amendments to keep the policy current; ensure that compliance with the procurement policy is part of the claims approval process; and ensure district officials seek competition when procuring goods and services, as required by district policy.

“District officials disagreed with certain aspects of our findings and recommendations, but indicated they have initiated corrective action,” the press release says.

At a December Board of Education meeting, district Business Manager Michael Brennan discussed the audit saying there were “very minor findings,” and he would give the board a full report at a later date.

The full audit is at www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/schools/2019/kinderhook.htm.