MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis-Shelby County Schools system will undergo a forensic audit to see whether taxpayer money may have been misused over the past five years.

The Shelby County Commission on Monday approved spending $50,000 to hire an auditing firm to look through the school district’s financial records from Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2025.

The vote was 11-0 in favor of the audit.

“This forensic audit has the potential to, to one restore trust between the public and the school system,” said Worth Morgan, Shelby County Chairman of the Republican Party. “Or two, to show wrongdoing and then we’ll be able to hold those people accountable, which will also restore the public trust.”

Below is part of the language from the county’s resolution:

“WHEREAS, in less than three (3) years, M-SCS has had four (4) different school superintendents, including two (2) interim appointments and this body desires to have a forensic audit conducted to ensure that there has been no misuse of public school funds and that the board is not exceeding the budget adopted by the County Commission.”

Public commenters could be heard saying their faith in MSCS is gone.

One former teacher said now is the time for accountability and oversight for school board members.

Commissioner Brittney Thorton took time to talk about her time at Melrose High School during the meeting.

In her example of why this audit was needed, she said she observed multiple classes with no teacher and in that same explanation, said she believes there are more schools with that type of issue.

“I just encourage everyone here for while we wait on the forensic audit – every single person here to act,” Thorton said. “We need to put ourselves into our public education system, chaperones, and subs, as just bodies in buildings to be able to show our students that we care and support.”

Following the vote, MSCS Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman issued a statement, saying that the district has “consistently demonstrated responsible stewardship of public resources.”

“We are aware that the request for a forensic audit by the Shelby County Commission has passed,” Coleman said. “Transparency and accountability are critical for everyone entrusted with public resources, and the same level of scrutiny should apply universally.”

She added that evidence of the district’s financial responsibility can be seen in its continued growth.

“Today, we are proud to share that Memphis-Shelby County Schools has achieved Level 5 status—the highest distinction based on TVAAS composite scores under the previous administrations prior to this current administration,” Coleman said. “This demonstrates significant student growth and highlights the effectiveness of our strategic investments in academic success, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.”

Commissioners set a March 31 deadline for MSCS to secure a firm or entity for this audit.