Proposals to provide 'Independent Auditing Services' were received from six vendors on April 19, 2007.  The proposal of Cherry, Bekaert and Holland, LLP, was the best proposal meeting the advertised specifications.  These services include the external independent auditing of the district and the auditing of the schools' internal accounts.  The Auditor General's Office will provide external auditing services every three years.  It is projected they will audit the district in the 2008-09 fiscal year.  This proposal is awarded for a three year period with the option to renew for two years.  The actual cost for the 2008-09 fiscal year will be lower since the auditing firm will be serving in an advisory capacity to the state. The funds for this purchase are contained in the operating budget allocated to the Financial Services Department.