LITTLE ROCK – An Arkansas Legislative Audit (ALA) allegedly found $34,037 in unallowable expenses at Prescott School District that were allegedly made, initiated, or approved by former Superintendent Robert Poole between July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. Poole is currently superintendent of the Ashdown School District.
The Investigative Report from Arkansas Legislative Audit in review of certain selected transactions was in response to a request from the Eighth North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney. According to the report, the prosecutor’s office made the request for a review after the District discovered allegedly questionable purchases and undeposited revenues collected for admission to athletic events. Subsequent to this request, a Special Prosecutor was appointed in regard to these matters.
According to their report summary, ALA staff reviewed District records and transactions for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, and based on their examinations of supporting documentation, interviews conducted, and inability to physically inspect items during inventory observations, the unallowable purchases do not appear to have a school purpose and are, therefore constitutionally suspect…
In additional a golf cart was allegedly in the possession of the Superintendent and not included on the District’s fixed asset listing.
Furthermore, grant proceeds were allegedly used to purchase equipment and supplies that could not be located by the District, and grant closeout documents were not properly submitted, resulting in the District being ineligible for additional funding for fiscal year 2026.
Finally, ALA also allegedly identified undeposited revenues from athletic events, banquet ticket sales not properly handled, and issues related to a Booster Club account operating under the District’s federal identification number.
The report has been forwarded to the Eighth North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General.