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February 19, 2024

Audit Advisory Evaluation Subcommittee Meeting

February 19, 2024, Audit Advisory Evaluation Subcommittee Meeting

Committee Members Present:  Steve Apple, Vice-Chair, Monique Thompson, and LaSonja Williams

Board Member(s) Present:  Vice-Chairman Charlotte D. Joyce

Call Meeting to Order

The meeting was called to order at 11:26 a.m.

Staff members who were also present:

  • Dr. Dana Kriznar, Superintendent

  • Corey Wright, Chief of Staff

  • Victoria Schultz, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

  • Alex Marx, Executive Director, Staffing Services

  • Ashley Barr, Director, Strategic Partnership

  • Monica Adams, Administrative Assistant to the School Board

Items to be Discussed

1. IBA Job Description

The evaluation subcommittee reviewed the Executive Director, Internal Board Auditor (IBA) job description. Discussion included the following:

  • Organizational charts from various districts pertaining to the IBA position.

  • Comparison of other districts to Duval County School Boards IBA position.

  • Inspector General qualifications.

  • The effects of the charter structure on the district and its ability to perform like Palm Beach County. There could be potential conflict.

  • Define the expectations for the role and then allow that to drive the structure of the position.

  • Previous communications and AAC evaluation recommendations were shared about having the current Internal Auditing department under the IBA position.

  • Communication on whether the IBA could evaluate and manage.

  • At the last AAC meeting there was a recommendation from the committee to hire 2 different people, an IBA and someone to oversee the Internal Audit Department.

  • The current IBA position allows supervisory duties.

  • The Internal Audit Department can be moved under the IBA position.

  • Next steps were discussed which are to hire, get them onboard, make the vision known, formulate interview questions around the vision to ensure the best applicant for the job is hired and then the Internal Auditing department under the IBA.  

  • The need for the applicant to have direct knowledge of what it means to oversee.

  • The AAC says the Board’s struggle would not be to find someone for the position, but the struggle would the salary that is being offered.

  • The subcommittee suggested that the Board should offer $140,000 because of the responsibilities and duties of the position.

  • Is the pay band of the IBA position comparable to the Chief Financial Officer position?

    • The CFO position is a chief position, but the position has many duties and responsibilities.

    • The audit function is to protect DCPS from risk, potential audit findings, and to provide a safeguard.

    • The IBA position is a critical position. The work of the IBA is as critical as the work of the CFO.

  • A recommendation was requested from the evaluation committee based upon the size and budget of Duval County School District and how the IBA position should be set up.

    • The committee suggested that the Board have a mixture of Miami-Dade and Broward counties as it relates to the IBA position.

    • Independent view.

    • The Executive Director would have the oversight.

    • Pay suggestions would be to start at $140,000.

    • Suggested title – Chief Auditor

  • HR suggestions for the position requiring a master’s degree because of the pay range.

    • AAC suggested increasing the qualifications.

    • Making sure the applicant has at least one required certification.

  • The AAC suggested the percentages be adjusted.

    • The percentages are not the norm for the position.

    • Percentages should be with the annual performance plan.

  • If the Board does not receive enough applicants, suggestions were made to contact the county outsourcing specialist for assistance.

  • Next Steps:

    • The need for a timeline.

    • Once someone is identified for the position, create a 30,60,90-day plan.

    • Suggestions of having applicants do a presentation.

    • Having interviews like the Superintendent interviews but on a smaller scale.

    • Share details of audits and top priorities for audits to get applicant response.

    • Give the AAC members an opportunity to interview the candidates for the Chief Officer, IBA, position so they can provide feedback to the Board Members.

  • Clarity was requested for what the AAC was suggesting.

    • Must have 1 of the certifications or licenses (CISA).

    • Increase the years of experience from 5-10.

    • AAC consideration for leaving the experience at 5 years.

    • Minimum qualifications can be changed to 7 years experience.

  • Approval of minimum qualifications for the position to be placed on the March Board agenda for approval.

  • Possibility of doing interviews during the March 27, 2024 AAC meeting.

    • If there are 10 applicants, narrow the applicants down before the AAC members perform interviews.

  • The process for how the applicants would normally be handled by the district was shared with the subcommittee members.

    • Creation of matrix.

    • Interview based upon resume.

  • Office of General Counsel has confirmed that the IBA can supervise. Verify to ensure there are no conflicts with this position and supervising.

  • Suggestions of the applicant having school district/governmental/audit experience.

  • The district’s desire for the position meanwhile trying not to exclude anyone.

    • Getting the best candidate for the position.

  • The IBA position will be discussed during the February 20, 2024 meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 p.m.

MA