Public funds come with a high level of responsibility, but determining what constitutes an appropriate expenditure is not always straightforward. Join CASBO and FCMAT for an in-depth discussion of the Gift of Public Funds, ethics and financial abuse in California public schools, with a focus on helping school business professionals make informed, defensible decisions about the use of public resources.
This webinar will examine the constitutional restrictions surrounding gifts of public funds and the distinction between expenditures that serve a public purpose and those that primarily benefit an individual or private interest. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, attendees will explore how everyday financial decisions can create legal, ethical and accountability concerns.
What You’ll Learn
Attendees will gain practical guidance to help them:
Apply the “public scrutiny test” when evaluating whether an expenditure is an appropriate use of public funds.
Distinguish between public and private purposes and identify when an expenditure could constitute a gift of public funds.
Understand the difference between public and non-public funds, including considerations for ASB funds, booster organizations and other accounts.
Evaluate allowable and unallowable expenditures, including meals, employee recognition, gifts and gift cards, donations, awards, flowers, conference expenses and other commonly questioned purchases.
Recognize the importance of board policies and administrative regulations in establishing clear guidance and safeguards for expenditures.
Identify practices that may constitute financial abuse and understand how seemingly routine actions can create financial, ethical or legal concerns.
Understand the potential consequences of improper expenditures, including legal liability and loss of public confidence.
Strengthen safeguards and decision-making practices that support accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Drawing on 38 years of experience, Michael Ammermon will share real-world examples of governmental financial fraud and abuse from his work auditing school districts, conducting forensic and financial fraud examinations, and serving with FCMAT.
You may be surprised by what qualifies as financial abuse. Come away better prepared to recognize potential issues, evaluate questionable expenditures and protect the public resources entrusted to your organization.
Panelists
Michael Ammermon CPA, CFE, CRFAC, DABFA, FCMAT Intervention Specialist
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