Yet the co-op's board is seeking applications at a time when all of the state's education cooperatives are under extra scrutiny. The nine cooperatives and the Kentucky Education Department now face extensive audits. That doesn't worry Mrs. Thomson. She said she is disappointed that someone else's actions could give cooperatives a negative image. I'm here to be held accountable for what we do.
Credibility is a big issue.
Northern Kentucky's cooperative has built-in oversight. The entire board approves expenditures. In many cases, the co-op acts as the billing agent and employer for several school districts. The same is true for occupational therapists and social workers. It's a matter of getting a better deal for our buck.