Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Southampton County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dr. Alan W. Edwards stated Tuesday evening, Aug. 27, that the board had voted unanimously to pursue a forensic audit of Southampton County Public Schools.

Investopedia.com states that a forensic audit “examines and evaluates a firm’s or individual’s financial records to derive evidence used in a court of law or legal proceeding.”

The Board of Supervisors’ decision follows an extended period of time in which Edwards and other members of the board have sought answers to specific questions regarding the school division’s finances.

The decision most immediately follows concerns shared on social media and in person Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting regarding the state of the Southampton Middle School building.

Among the public speakers at the meeting was Michael Flythe of Courtland.

“There’s ceiling tiles falling on the floor, the bathroom is completely unsanitary, and there is no child in this county, country or world that should have to go to this school under the circumstances they are in,” he said. “It is time, it is time to find out where the money is going. It’s definitely not going to the school.”

Pictures appearing to depict some of the scenes Flythe described were circulating on social media Monday, Aug. 26.

SCPS shared a news release shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday titled “Addressing Social Media Images at Southampton Middle School.”

The release read as follows:

“Although budget cuts and lack of additional funding has stagnated our progress in upgrading existing infrastructure, we strive to maintain the upkeep of our facilities to the highest of standards.

“We cannot confirm when the alleged circulating photos of Southampton Middle School were taken, nevertheless, we want to assure our students and families that maintaining a safe and productive learning environment is and will continue to be our top priority.

“We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our custodians and staff members and are looking forward to a spectacular school year.”

This is a developing story.