Evanston School District Concluded Forensic Audit
Officials finalized a multi-year financial review following a former superintendent's criminal indictment.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Administration
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The Evanston/Skokie District 65 school board has concluded its forensic audit of district spending from 2020 through 2024. The investigation follows a federal indictment charging former Superintendent Devon Horton with wire fraud and embezzlement.
Why it matters
The audit was initiated to examine potential financial misconduct, including concerns regarding administrative stipends, transportation expenses, and no-bid contracts. The findings serve as a critical component in the district's effort to address fiscal transparency and prepare for upcoming budget management.
The forensic audit, conducted by Crowe LLP, was capped at a budget of $115,000. It encompasses district financial records from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024.
The players
Devon Horton
The former superintendent served the district from June 2020 to June 2023 and currently faces federal charges of wire fraud and embezzlement.
Crowe LLP
This accounting firm was hired by the school board to perform the forensic audit of district expenditures.
Evanston/Skokie District 65
This Illinois public school district is currently managing a financial investigation and a series of planned budget cuts.
The details
Crowe LLP was hired in January 2026 to scrutinize the district's financial practices during the tenure of Devon Horton. The audit specifically targeted areas mentioned in the federal case against the former administrator, who is accused of orchestrating a kickback scheme involving district contracts.
Timeline
The school board voted to hire Crowe LLP on January 26, 2026.
The forensic audit reached completion this week.
District administrators are scheduled to present a plan for budget deficits on October 13.
The federal trial for Devon Horton is set to begin October 21.
Roadmap
The audit represents an effort to reconcile district finances in the wake of the 2026 federal indictment of Devon Horton. This process mirrors the standard administrative response taken by public institutions when faced with allegations of systemic kickback schemes and contract fraud.
Residents should expect transparency regarding the district's financial health as officials prepare to address $20 million in planned budget cuts. The public disclosure of the audit report will provide taxpayers with a clearer understanding of past spending practices.
The takeaway
Maintaining rigorous oversight of administrative spending is essential for public trust in local educational institutions. Transparency during financial investigations allows the community to participate more effectively in future budget deliberations.
What happens next
District administrators are scheduled to present a budget deficit plan on October 13, and the federal trial of former superintendent Devon Horton is set for October 21.
Further reading
For more information on local government operations, visit the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
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