The chief financial officer for St. Charles Parish Public Schools has resigned effective Feb. 4.
The resignation comes after the school system notified the St. Charles Parish district attorney and the Louisiana legislative auditor of potential misrepresentation by the CFO of the school system’s financial standing. Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling initiated an internal review of all financial records after suspecting inaccurate financial information. The school district placed the CFO on administrative leave in January.
Ronald E. White Jr. most recently served as chief financial officer for the district. His name was removed from the school system’s website following the district’s announcement Jan. 23, according to reporting by L’Observateur.
In a press release, the school district said the investigation was ongoing, but it had no initial indication there was any personal financial benefit or gain by any employee, vendor, or member of the public.
Regina McMillan, a spokesperson for the school district, said the district hired EisnerAmper LLP, a licensed independent CPA firm, on Jan. 30 to conduct forensic accounting services in support of the ongoing investigation.
The firm will conduct an independent review of financial documents to help verify the district’s financial standing and understand the scope of the potential misrepresentations.
“In the meantime, we are taking a careful look at our operations and how we allocate resources as we work through this process,” McMillan said. “As stewards of public resources, the St. Charles Parish School Board and superintendent are committed to full transparency and compliance with the law. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and state authorities and will share more information as appropriate.”
