The Portland Public Schools Audit Committee opened its 2025–26 work plan meeting with introductions and a short procedural discussion about committee membership, student participation and upcoming external-auditor selection processes.

Chair Patty Sullivan noted the committee uniquely includes up to two community members and may include up to two student ex officio members by board policy; she said she has contacted the student representative to the board to publicize the opportunity. Sullivan read guidance from the Council of the Great City Schools emphasizing the value of audit committee members with independent auditing, finance, IT and governance expertise.

Committee members discussed the timing of appointments and noted that committee membership typically ends June 30; Sullivan said she will ask the board chair about extending current committee membership through July 2026 to allow the committee to receive the bond auditor's report if it becomes available in July.

Sullivan also raised upcoming procurement panels: the external bond-audit contract expires in 2026 and will require a request for proposals; she asked for volunteers and suggested that community audit committee members and the board facilities liaison would be appropriate selection-panel members. Caroline Zabikovsky and others were invited to serve as part of the selection panel when procurement proceeds.

Ending: Committee members confirmed they value printed meeting materials for this work and Sullivan said she will coordinate with the board chair and staff on appointment timing, student outreach and upcoming selection-panel participation.