The South Country School District will bring in a forensic auditor to investigate how the district overspent its $143 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The decision was made during a school board meeting Wednesday night.

While the district has confirmed that the budget was exceeded, officials have not yet disclosed by how much. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Antonio Santana made the announcement but declined to provide specific figures, citing the ongoing audit.

The board voted to hire a forensic auditor to determine when and how the overspending occurred. According to officials, core academic programs and services will not be affected. However, immediate spending restrictions are being put in place — and some non-essential activities, including field trips, may face cuts.

The lack of transparency around the budget shortfall sparked frustration among parents.

“We’ve known about the financial irregularities for over a month, with no discussion about the magnitude,” said Kerim Odekon, a South Country parent who spoke at the meeting. “There is a human cost to our financial mismanagement in this district. Our children suffer.”

Board President E. Anne Hayes responded to concerns, assuring the public that a full accounting is forthcoming.

“With regard to your question about the magnitude — that is forthcoming from our annual audit,” Hayes said. “It is in the final stages of being completed, and we should expect to have a number that could be reported to the public at that point.”

An external auditor is currently finalizing that report, which district officials say will be presented at an upcoming board meeting.