Eric Robinson resigns from audit selection committee

SARASOTA — Following weeks of public outcry concerning questions of holding seats in two financial committees, former Sarasota County Schools Board member Eric Robinson has resigned from the audit selection committee.

He had served as a member on that committee for five years.

The decision is noted in the SCS Board's agenda for Tuesday's meeting as the last item in the new business section that states Robinson "resigned from his position on the Committee as the District 2 designee."

Robinson told The Daily Sun on Monday that he resigned from the audit selection committee, and stressed that the two roles "never crossed."

He said the financial review and audit selection committees rarely venture into one another's territory.

"The financial review committee is in charge of reviewing the percentages of revenue and where the money comes from," he said. "We spend most of the time looking at meaningful metrics and if those metrics are being achieved."

Robinson said the audit selection committee's focus is on the internal investigation of the district rather than the monetary side.

"It's mainly looking at processes like HR hiring, reimbursements to vendors and did they follow the process for amendments," he said.

Robinson's appointment to the financial review committee was made by Chair Karen Rose last month, who received backlash from residents during the March 19 meeting. Many questioned someone holding both an audit and financial advisory position in the district.

Robinson had some controversial years as a School Board member, which speakers recalled at length.

Often outspoken and blunt on the School Board, he lost in the 2021 election to Tom Edwards, a newcomer to Sarasota County politics at the time.

Tuesday's board meeting's new business includes an agenda item for the approval of a new certified public accountant for the audit selection committee to replace Robinson.

Thomas Chaffee was listed as the successor of Robinson's District 2 seat.

Chaffee is chairman and co-founder of the Dreamers Academy, a tuition-free, K-through-5 public charter school in Sarasota that offers a dual language education in Spanish and English.

Chaffee spearheaded the project with his wife, Gerri Chaffee, which was officially approved by the Board in 2018 because of its proposal to help English Language Learners students underperforming in Sarasota County.

The Dreamers Academy was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Robinson - then on the board - was the only no vote, citing concerns with "the curriculum."

Robinson wouldn't say if he's planning on another run for Sarasota County School Board. He said his CPA firm has been his current focus.

"I haven't given it much thought," Robinson said.