The superintendent of Baker County schools says he takes full responsibility for his system now under investigation for financial problems.
 
Freddie Thompson says when he took over in January, the district was already in financial disarray. 
 
“We have more than $100,000 in unpaid bills at this point.  We are managing, even on a very strict budget.  We are managing, it’s just a very difficult situation.”  
 
A local citizen group has questioned district spending in the face of poor student achievement.  Baker County schools recently failed to make federal benchmarks of Annual Yearly Progress. 

The citizens' group says in a document on its website that it has tried to access public documents on district finances, but has been rebuffed.
 
Thompson denies the group could not get access to school budget documents.
 
“Concerned Citizens on numerous occasions have made requests under the Open Records Act, and we have complied with each one.”
 
Thompson says he hasn't had contact with the south Georgia district attorney overseeing the probe. 

Baker County’s district opens its school year next week.

Tags: Southwest Georgia, budget, investigation, finances, Baker County School System, South Georgia District Attorney