The Shadow
LOW?MOOR? — The Alleghany County School Board issued a statement Monday responding to allegations being made by one of its members — Donnie Kern.
Kern, the board’s Clifton Forge West representative, is questioning the school board’s financial practices and budgetary priorities.
Kern says he has filed a report with state officials calling for an investigation.
On Monday, Alleghany County School Board Chairman Randy Tucker issued a statement denying Kern’s allegations, saying the board has had a “longstanding commitment to public transparency of our operations and finances and our responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
Tucker is accusing Kern of sowing discord by making accusations of financial irregularities by the school board.
“The school board firmly agrees these allegations are unfounded and serve as a significant distraction from the mission of Alleghany County Public Schools, which is to work together to help our students achieve their highest potential,” Tucker said.
He said audits of the school board’s finances over the last three years are available for public viewing on the school division’s website at www.alleghany.k12. va.us/home.
“We invite our families, employees and community to review them closely,” Tucker said.
He added: “We also stand by other decisions publicly questioned by this school board member. Moreover, we welcome the scrutiny he has requested of higher officials as we are confident the board has aligned our actions and decisions with our policies and regulations.”
The school division’s policies and regulations are available on the school division’s website. The link can be found at: www.alleghany.k12.va.us/school_ board/policy%20manual.
“It is our hope and belief that the school board can resume its focus on its most important work — that of student achievement — as we continue to honor the trust and confidence of our community through the diligence and outstanding work of all of our employees,” Tucker said.
The school board’s next business meeting is Monday, Feb. 25, at Jackson River Technical Center. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
