Public trust at stake in probe

We are troubled by allegations of financial wrongdoing inside the Iowa Association of School Boards.

If it's true that members of that group misused funds - including some taxpayer money - it's a serious breach of public trust that begs an important question: Where was the oversight?

And in light of these alleged abuses, and especially in these tight financial times, we wonder if the association provides enough of a service to justify the expense.

That's something its members should carefully consider as more information about the non-profit association's inner workings comes to light.

Leaders of the Iowa Association of School Boards were asked to appear this week before the Legislative Government Oversight Committee, as legislators look for answers to allegations that employees of association misused funds.

Last week, Executive Director Maxine Kilcrease was placed on paid administrative leave while investigators attempt to determine how her $210,000 annual salary ballooned to $367,000 per year. Kilcrease also may have raised salaries of three other employees.

Other troubling financial improprieties also have been alleged - including one consultant's use of an association credit card to purchase airplane tickets, apparently for personal use.

Auditors told lawmakers this week that they'd previously identified a list of irregularities and questionable practices at the association - including a troubling lack of internal controls for approving expenses - but were prevented from sharing those concerns with the association's board. Hearings continue on Monday.

The association provides legal advice, leadership training and resources to help local boards navigate common issues ranging from contracts and employee benefits to transportation and playground equipment.

About one-third of the non-profit Iowa Association of School Boards' funding comes from dues - taxpayer money - paid by 361 member school districts, area education agencies and community colleges. Those dues ranged from $726 to $10,366 this school year.

Members say they reap benefits from a diverse network of educational professionals, and strong, unified representation at the Legislature on behalf of public education.

But especially in light of these alleged abuses, and in these tight financial times, we wonder if those roles couldn't be absorbed by area education agencies or even the state Board of Education itself.

At the very least, there should be more accountability for tax dollars spent.

State senators took a step in the right direction this week when they unanimously voted to subject the group to Iowa's open meetings and open records law. That's a start. Transparency and accountability should be the rule wherever tax money is spent.