An annual audit of school construction projects shows that in 2015, Sussex Tech School District changed its policy for approving construction change orders and purchases, eliminating board oversight.

Santora CPA Group, a Newark company hired by the state to independently review school construction projects, noted that Sussex Tech's school board approved the change in district policy in September 2015, giving the superintendent and supervisor of transportation the authority to approve purchase and change orders without board approval.

The audit, released Dec. 14, stated there were 23 change orders in fiscal year 2016 totaling more than $180,000 that were not approved by the school board. The audit states Tech's policy is in violation of Delaware Department of Education School Construction Technical Assistance Manual policies, which say a school board must approve and document changes to construction projects and then submit written approval to the Department of Education.

The audit states the board never approved about $68,000 to Common Sense Solutions to renovate a shop and make improvements to storm drains.

In a written response to the audit, Sussex Tech defended the change in policy, stating as long as the change order relates to a project that is within the board's approved budget for the project, the board properly delegated authority to the superintendent, who also serves as executive secretary of the board.

“This authority to delegate duties includes the duty to approve a change within specified parameters,” the district wrote in response.

Board President Patrick Cooper said the board made the change to expedite building projects when a need arises, instead of waiting a month until the next scheduled school board meeting.

“There was no malicious attempt to sidetrack the board,” Cooper said. “There was nothing outside the budget that was approved.”

The audit recommends Sussex Tech change its policy so that “the board is aware of the activity approved and can still serve in an oversight capacity for change order activity.”

Cooper said he agrees.

“We will bring it up in the January meeting,” he said.

Cape Henlopen School District was also noted in an audit. The audit stated documentation was missing in a construction file regarding a Mariner Middle School addition. In particular, the audit states, the district failed to provide a certificate of occupancy for the addition to the state Department of Education, the state auditor and the state budget director.

In response, Cape Henlopen School District said it would make sure all necessary agencies are contacted and documentation provided at the completion of construction projects.