700.2 Administrative Regulations Regarding Internal Control Procedures and Whitleblower Complaints

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS REGARDING INTERNAL CONTROL PROCEDURES AND WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS

Fraud, financial improprieties, or irregularities include but are not limited to:

  • Forgery or unauthorized alteration of any document or account belonging to the district.
  • Forgery or unauthorized alteration of a check, bank draft, or any other financial document.
  • Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other assets.
  • Impropriety in the handling of money or reporting of financial transactions.
  • Profiteering because of insider information of district information or activities.
  • Disclosing confidential and/or proprietary information to outside parties.
  • Accepting or seeking anything of material value other than items used in the normal course of advertising from contractors, vendors, or persons providing services to the district.
  • Destroying, removing, or inappropriately using district records, furniture, fixtures, or equipment.
  • Failing to provide financial records to authorized state or local entities.
  • Failure to cooperate fully with any financial auditors, investigators, or law enforcement.
  • Any other dishonest or fraudulent act involving district monies or resources.

The superintendent [or designee] shall investigate reports of fraudulent activity in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts.  All employees involved in the investigation shall be advised to keep information about the investigation confidential.

The employee bringing forth such actions in good faith to their immediate supervisor, the superintendent, the business manager, or the human resources director may not be discharged, threatened, or otherwise discriminated against regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment. The employee must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. An employee who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to disciplinary action.

If an investigation substantiates the occurrence of a fraudulent activity, the superintendent, or board vice president if the investigation centers on the superintendent, shall issue a report to the board and appropriate personnel.  The final disposition of the matter and any decision to file or not file a criminal complaint or to refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement and/or regulatory agency for independent investigation shall be made in consultation with district legal counsel.  The results of the investigation shall not be disclosed to or discussed with anyone other than those individuals with a legitimate right to know until the results are made public.