From the Cook News Herald:
By the time this paper is published, it could be possible that the St. Louis County Schools will have their Conditional Use Permit for the new North School and bids could be asked for. The meeting on this was Tuesday.
But, in the meantime, the Minnesota State Auditor is entering the fray. Acting on a complaint, the State Auditor has asked for information on seven items. The district and Johnson Controls are busy answering this request, but this will take time and money. The money will come from taxpayers of ISD 2142 or from the students due to reduced educational opportunities.
The Auditor apparently has no power in this matter, but is answering the complaint that was filed that apparently thinks there could be fraud. The district and Johnson Controls have until Jan. 19, 2011, to get all the information. The district had to bring in extra help to gather it all.
The Auditor asked for information on the following paragraphs of the complaint:
Paragraph 2: Information on all subcontractors and agents’ agreements/contracts outlined in the request. All copies of contracts between the district and Johnson Controls.
Paragraph 3: The brochure Steve Greenfield created entitled, “Enhancing Opportunities for Our Kids’ Experience.” They want to know when it was created and have all documents related to its creation and dissemination.
Paragraph 4: The webpage created by Greenfield entitled, “Why Realigning the School District is Good for All of Us.” All documents related to its creation and use are asked for.
Paragraph 5: Any handouts or agendas that were created for the public meetings relating to the December 2009 referendum.
Paragraph 8: Any financial budget information that was given to the district in order for the business manager to create the 2009-10 and 2010-2011 budgets.
Paragraph 10: All worksheets, spreadsheets and other documents that support the district’s position that it will save $498,000 as a result of the December 2009 referendum passing.
Paragraph 11: All documents from Natalie Hoff relating to the district’s real estate property purchase(s) including letters, bids, purchase money agreements.
The district has asked for an extension. Meanwhile, with the state’s financial problems, it is questionable as to when the State Auditor will find time to go through all this information. It is possible the schools could be built by the time this is done.
