District safety official reports seven state audits, three findings; board cites House bill on Guardian Program

A district staff member responsible for safety and security reported that state auditors have conducted multiple unannounced visits across district schools and that three audit findings were logged, though the staff member declined to provide details in open session.

“Since my last report … we have had 7 state audits … We have had 3 findings,” the staff member said, adding that some audit items can hinge on interpretation of statute or placement of required postings and that auditors vary in how they apply vague statutory wording (for example, whether a 60-day period means 60 school days or 60 calendar days).

Board members praised maintenance staff who handle safety-related work orders and thanked district staff for responsiveness to mechanical safety issues. During the discussion, a board member noted that a House bill sponsored by Representative Brad Yeager had passed unanimously in committee and said it would give schools “a little more flexibility” regarding the Guardian Program and after-hours gate/door use.

The safety staff member said the district is responsible for safety and security at charter schools and that audits typically take two to three hours per school. The staff member said audits are unannounced and that auditors may revisit schools already inspected.

Why it matters: Regular audits by the state affect compliance and operations at individual schools; the board and staff said clearer statutory language and guidance would reduce the likelihood of findings that hinge on technicalities such as poster placement or ambiguous timeframes.

What’s next: District staff will continue to respond to audits and address findings; board members will monitor state legislative changes affecting school safety and the Guardian Program.