UPDATE 5:32 pm: Carly Harrington for Knox Schools “As soon as district officials became aware of these transactions, KCS reported to the Comptroller’s office, which initiated an investigation.”
“The district is prepared to take any necessary action that has not already been taken as a result of these findings.”
Original Post 4:15 pm: Two Investigations Focus on Farragut High School in Knox County
School Board Reaction: I reached out to Lauren Morgan, Knox County School Board Representative Fifth District (Farragut) “Knox County Schools has made me aware and they plan to address any issue that haven’t been addressed yet.”
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released two investigative reports related to Farragut High School (FHS), which is part of the Knox County School System (KCS). Both investigations began after school system officials reported questionable transactions to the Comptroller’s Office.
The first investigation is related to the Farragut Dugout Club, which is a school support organization for the FHS baseball team.
Investigators determined club officers paid salary supplements to FHS baseball coaches totaling $3,350. These “thank you” gifts were not approved by the school system, as required. Furthermore, since four of the coaches who received payments are KCS employees, the club should have provided the money to the Board of Education for payment to the coaches. This ensures tax withholdings and other deductions are done properly.
The Farragut Dugout Club also used club funds to buy questionable gifts for coaches and themselves totaling at least $463.63.
The Dugout Club also charged $600 “operational” fees to players in 2022 and 2023. School support organizations may not charge students to participate in school-sponsored activities. Fees must be accounted for by the school and deposited in the school bank account.
The second investigation involved the Farragut High School Band.
Investigators determined that FHS made payments totaling $43,936.90 to a vendor that employed the band director, resulting in a potential conflict of interest. These payments included purchases of band equipment and contracted audio engineering and choreography services. Investigators could not determine if the band director personally benefitted from the FHS purchases while working in both positions. FHS should have also obtained written quotes, as required when disbursements for purchases or services exceed $25,000 in one school year.
Investigators also found the FHS band director and assistant band director used a school credit card to pay $1,500 for a questionable meal at a restaurant in Nashville in April 2024. 11 band students, three FHS employees, one FHS student teacher, and two individuals unaffiliated with FHS attended the meal. Funds collected from student fees and fundraisers should only be used for the benefit of the entire band and not selected students, faculty, or other individuals.
The results of both investigations have been communicated with the Office of the District Attorney General of the 6thJudicial District.
“School support organizations in Tennessee must establish strong internal controls to ensure money and assets are safeguarded,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “I encourage Knox County Schools to address any existing issues within its school booster clubs that could lead to improper activity.”
To view the investigative report, go here.
