PGCPS internal audit flags control gaps, substantiates several staff misconduct findings in semiannual report

Prince George’s County Public Schools’ acting internal audit director, Janice Walters Semple, told the Board Audit Committee on March 3 that the semiannual internal audit covering July 1–Dec. 31, 2024, identified control weaknesses across several operational areas, completed 32 audits and seven investigations, and received 268 hotline complaints during the reporting period.

The audit office’s work “is the eyes and ears of the board of education,” Semple said, describing reviews of school activity funds, operational processes and information-technology controls. She told the committee that the office had issued 32 reports as of Dec. 31, 2024 — including 21 school activity fund audits, four operational audits and seven investigations — and that management had submitted and the office had accepted action plans for the findings.

Why it matters: the internal audit office provides oversight of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance for the county school system. The committee heard specific operational weaknesses and examples of employee misconduct that the audit office referred to the district’s Employee and Labor Relations Office (ELRO) for appropriate action, while other complaints were unsubstantiated.

Key findings and audits

- Fuel management (EJ Ward). A July 5, 2024, report identified two findings: the Department of Transportation and the central garage lacked systemic monitoring to reduce fuel theft, and available fuel-usage reports were not being used by management to detect anomalies. Auditors recommended using the system report to improve monitoring.

- HR certification process. Auditors reported a scope limitation because they could not obtain…