The Phoenix Union High School District wants the state to investigate after two independent audits found issues with the district’s hiring practices.
A statement from Phoenix Union says nepotism could have cost the district more than $650,000.
The district sent a letter to the Arizona Auditor General's Office to report potential fraud and misuse of funds. The letter included a copy of an outside review of its talent division that showed employees were moved forward on the district’s salary scale without governing board approval.
It also found administrators were appointed into positions without conducting an interview and selection process. The majority of the employees who may have benefitted from the failure to follow district processes are related to each other by blood or marriage.
The district said it has already taken steps to remedy the issues and will cooperate fully with any investigation by the Auditor General's Office or law enforcement.
The district’s former chief of staff and the former chief development officer resigned earlier this year, several months before the audits uncovered the apparent wrongdoing.
Three current employees have been placed on administrative leave while the investigations are pending.
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