Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the creation of an audit committee at the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) today. This committee will be charged with identifying priority areas within the agency where an audit of financial and data processes could lead to improved efficiency and accuracy. The committee will hold its first meeting on February 4 and will be chaired by Dr. Chuck Essigs of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO).
“I am creating an audit committee to fulfill the pledge I made to Arizonans across the state to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars,” Hoffman said. “It is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of ADE’s finances in order to be accountable to the public and make sound fiscal decisions. I appreciate everyone on the committee’s time and dedication in assisting Arizona education in this manner.”
The members of the ADE Audit Committee include:
Chuck Essigs (Chair) Director of Government Relations, AASBO
Ken Hicks (Vice Chair) Chief Financial Officer, Dysart Unified School District
Ricky Hernandez Chief Operating Officer, University of Arizona Alumni Association
Dale Ponder Chief of Finance and Operations, Crane Elementary School District
Renee Raskin Chief Deputy, Yavapai County School Office
Dr. Paul Tighe Superintendent, Saddle Mountain Unified School District
Chris Kotterman Director of Government Relations, Arizona School Boards Association
Lizette Huie Business Services Coordinator, Sahuarita Unified School District
Scott Thompson Assistant Superintendent, Mesa Public Schools
Tina Norton Pima County Joint Technological Education District
Norman Purdy Vail Unified School District
Tina Wells Chief Deputy, Coconino County School Office
Brenda Thomas-Martinez Director of Business and Operations, Blue Ridge Unified School District
Anabel Aportela Director of Research and Student Achievement Analysis, AASBO/ASBA
Dan Bigler Charter School Business Official
Jeremy Calles Tolleson Union High School District Chief Financial Officer
The committee will work in concert with ADE’s third-party independent auditors, Afton Partners, Inc., throughout the process.
