Forensic Audit

By George Edwards, CPA

Cy-Fair ISD is one of the largest school districts in Texas, with a budget in the billions of dollars. With that much taxpayer money at stake, the community deserves complete transparency and accountability. A standard financial audit only verifies that the numbers add up—it does not investigate how money is actually being used, whether spending decisions are responsible, or if there are patterns of waste, fraud, or abuse. That is why I believe a forensic audit is necessary.

A forensic audit goes beyond checking balances. It examines contracts, vendor relationships, overtime pay, hiring practices, and procurement processes. It answers the questions that matter most to taxpayers:

• Are funds being spent where they are needed most?
• Are there inflated contracts or uncompetitive bidding practices?
• Are resources being diverted to programs or expenses that do not improve student outcomes?
• Is the district carrying unnecessary administrative overhead that could be redirected to instruction?

Cy-Fair ISD families and employees have the right to know if our money is being used efficiently and ethically. A forensic audit would provide a clear picture of the district’s financial health and ensure that every decision is made with the best interest of students in mind. A forensic audit could eliminate the need for a tax hike.

Savings from a forensic audit can be redirected to priorities like:

• Increasing classroom resources
• Expanding literacy initiatives
• Improving school safety
• Supporting teacher recruitment and retention

A forensic audit is not about politics—it is about stewardship. It is about proving to taxpayers that their hard-earned money is being respected and spent wisely.

I have been a certified public accountant for the past 41 years and the only candidate in this race with a certified financial background. As your school board trustee, I will push for a full, independent forensic audit of Cy-Fair ISD. The results will be public, transparent, and actionable. Our children’s education is too important for waste, mismanagement, or unanswered questions.

Taxpayers deserve the truth. Students deserve the resources. A forensic audit delivers both.