Response to Whistleblower Complaint: Official Media Statements

December 12, 2024 Indian River State College

Indian River State College District Board of Trustees Statement

"In response to the recent allegations made by a former employee following their departure, the Indian River State College District Board of Trustees wants to be clear about our commitment to institutional integrity. Utilizing external legal counsel, the Board has conducted a comprehensive and independent investigation. After a detailed review, the claims were found without merit. The college has responded to the complaint by the Florida Commission on Human Relations. The current Indian River State College administration has demonstrated a commitment to transparency, maintains clean audits, and adheres to the highest standards of regulatory compliance. We are confident in the integrity of Indian River State College’s institutional practices and the leadership of its president Dr. Timothy Moore.”

--Christa Luna, Chair, Indian River State College District Board of Trustees (December 12, 2024)

Indian River State College Foundation Board of Directors Statement

“The Indian River State College Foundation is committed to the highest standards of financial integrity. The Foundation Board of Directors was aware of allegations of financial misuse lodged by a former employee and took appropriate steps to ensure a full investigation was undertaken. The Board has been informed that the allegations are unsubstantiated by independent investigation. The Foundation Board affirms that our extensive control and management structures are designed to ensure the appropriate and effective use of the Foundation’s assets.

Governance and Oversight

The Indian River State College Foundation operates as a Florida not-for-profit corporation and is organized to receive, hold, invest, and administer property, and to make expenditures for the benefit of Indian River State College. Our Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders and provides strategic direction and oversight to the Foundation in order to ensure that all activities align with the missions of both the Foundation and the College, as well as to comply with legal and ethical standards.

Financial Controls

The Foundation implements comprehensive internal controls, including:

Regular Audits: The Foundation strives to ensure continuous accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations by undergoing annual independent audits to assess our financial statements and internal processes.
Transparent Reporting: The Foundation provides detailed financial information to the public. The Foundation’s IRS Form 990 filings and financial statements are accessible through an online platform, offering insight into our financial health and operational practices.
Professional Expertise: The Foundation engages legal and accounting professionals to guide our financial management:
Legal Counsel: The Foundation’s legal advisors provide guidance on governance and operational matters and ensure that all Foundation activities comply with federal, state, and local laws.
Accounting Consultants: The Foundation enlists experienced accountants to assist in maintaining accurate financial records for the Foundation, developing Foundation budgets, and ensuring adherence to generally accepted accounting principles.

Programmatic Accountability

The Foundation supports the College in areas such as scholarships, educational facilities, and faculty support. The annual scholarship awarded by the Foundation directly benefits students through both endowed scholarships and IRSC Promise. Each program and expenditure undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure alignment with donor intentions and institutional goals and priorities.”

--Ryan Abernethy, Chair, Indian River State College Foundation Board of Directors

Indian River State College Statement

“Indian River State College is aware of the claims made by a former employee which followed his recent departure. Our school and District Board of Trustees prioritize diligence in such matters. In this matter, the District Board of Trustees, utilizing outside counsel to the Board, conducted a thorough and exhaustive investigation of the claims being made. The President’s Office has been informed by the Board these claims are not substantiated. Our current administration has consistently upheld a history of transparency, clean audits, and compliance with all regulatory standards.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 112.3188, we are restricted from commenting publicly on the details of this matter. As a result, we believe it is premature to publish your article with only one side of the facts.”

--A spokesperson from Indian River State College (December 11, 2024)