An Ogden lawmaker has asked state auditors to review recent actions by the Ogden School District and its superintendent, James West.
Assistant Minority Whip Grant Protzman has asked the legislative auditor general's office to review board policies on travel, travel reimbursement and dual compensation.He also asked the auditor to look into West's practice of charging the district while staying at his private, second home in St. George while in southern Utah on district business.
West's actions were outlined in a series that ran last month in the Standard-Examiner.
The newspaper also reported the superintendent failed to pay income taxes on part of a car allowance the past three years and moonlights as a teacher at Utah State University.
"We have taxpayers' dollars involved in this and there is state money involved in both USU and the school district, and an objective third party like the legislative auditor is the one to clear the air," Protzman said. "Everybody can have their own conclusions, but the real question is, from the perspective of the state, is it correct and legal?"
Board members said Friday they were not aware of the inspection but those who did comment said they welcome it. District offices were closed Saturday and West could not be reached for comment.
Protzman said he requested the audit on his own and is not representing any group.
"As a state taxpayer and representative, I need to assure that taxpayers' funds are being used judiciously," he said.
"We may find the superintendent has indeed followed the board guidelines, but those guidelines may be out of line with what they really have the prerogative to do," Protzman said. "Or we may find out the superintendent was out of compliance with board policies or with applicable state policy."
Protzman hopes results of the audit could be ready as early as next week. But Legislative Auditor General Wayne Welsh said it could be a month before a report is ready.
Protzman said he is worried the controversy may have proved a distraction for the board and superintendent.
"My hope is that this will serve as a definitive tool to end the debate, to resolve the situation and let everyone get back to the business of teaching children," Protzman said.
Board member Deborah Samples welcomed the review.
"I'm interested in anything they can find," said Samples, who took office on Jan. 13 after winning a four-year term in November. "The superintendent said he doesn't have anything to hide, so I hope that he would welcome this, too.
"We need to clear the air and, if the board needs to change some of its practices, it should be taken under consideration," she said.
Board member Brian Joy also welcomed the audit. "I'm glad they are. We need to be on top of our policies and I'm glad we have someone else to help make sure we are."
Other board members said they were not aware of the audit and declined comment.