Audit Exposes Lee County Schools’ Misconduct Reporting Failures

A recent state audit has revealed significant shortcomings in the operations of the Lee County School Board in Florida, particularly concerning the reporting of sexual misconduct cases and financial management. Released on February 17, 2024, by Florida Auditor General Sherrill Norman, the audit highlights multiple areas of concern for the district, which serves over 108,000 students.

The audit details seven findings from the district’s 2024–25 fiscal year, many of which echo issues identified in previous reviews. Notably, the report raises alarms about the district’s failure to comply with state laws regarding the timely reporting of employees deemed ineligible for employment due to misconduct. Florida law mandates that such cases be reported to the state’s disqualification list within 48 hours of a final order. However, auditors found that Lee County did not meet this requirement in five instances.

Four employees who were terminated for sexual misconduct were reported late, with one case experiencing a delay of at least four months. Additionally, three other employees were reported between 50 and 63 days after the deadline. In another troubling finding, a fifth employee who pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances had not been reported as of December 2025, raising concerns about ongoing compliance issues.

Financial Oversight and Payment Discrepancies

The audit also scrutinized a $78,110 payment made to former Superintendent Christopher Bernier, who resigned in April 2024 following a board-approved separation agreement. This agreement came shortly after a 2022 referendum in which 62% of Lee County voters chose to change the superintendent’s position from appointed to elected. Bernier had previously indicated he would not seek the newly elected position, leading to his abrupt departure.

Auditors noted that while the district attributed the payment to a renegotiated contract following an employment dispute, no documentation was found to support such a claim. The separation agreement stipulated Bernier would provide “advisory services,” yet the district could not produce evidence that these services were rendered. The Auditor General has since recommended that the School Board take steps to recover the $78,110, placing the decision back in the hands of board members.

Another area of concern highlighted in the audit was the district’s safety protocols. While schools completed mandatory active threat drills, they failed to meet state standards for one of the required emergency drills, such as those for severe weather or hazardous materials. Auditors noted that relying on bomb threat drills did not satisfy this requirement, potentially jeopardizing safety preparedness across the district.

Internal Control Failures Persist

In terms of internal controls, the audit found that some district employees had excessive access to payroll and HR systems, which could facilitate unauthorized transactions. Nineteen employees had access levels that allowed them to perform tasks that should be separated to mitigate the risk of fraud. This issue has been identified in prior audits conducted in 2020 and 2023, yet remains unaddressed.

The district’s purchasing card program also drew scrutiny, with auditors discovering that cards assigned to four former employees remained active for up to 101 days after their departure. This lapse allowed two employees to exceed their normal spending limits by a combined total of $13,968 after the authorized period had ended, highlighting weaknesses in financial oversight.

Beyond these critical findings, the audit explored a total of $400.1 million in construction expenditures, ensuring compliance with state laws regarding contractor selection and funded services. The examination included $247.5 million spent on three major construction projects and $7.1 million in emergency spending linked to declared states of emergency.

In a smaller financial issue, the district was directed to refund $8,000 to the state for reporting eight ineligible student industry certifications for performance funding.

In light of these findings, Superintendent Denise Carlin issued a response acknowledging the audit’s preliminary findings. She expressed the district’s commitment to strengthening internal controls and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The district plans to revise its policies to enhance reporting and documentation practices, aiming to address the concerns raised by the Auditor General.

As the Lee County School Board navigates these challenges, the implications for its governance and financial practices are significant. The audit serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in educational institutions.