Committee backs accountability review board bill; lawmakers debate Bridgeport audit and local control

The Joint Finance Committee approved a joint favorable substitute to the floor for Senate Bill 1512, which would establish a School District Accountability Review Board to provide financial-management technical assistance to school districts identified as category 4 or 5 under the state accountability system. The substitute also calls for a forensic audit of Bridgeport by the auditors of public accounts and a public report on the results.

Supporters said the board could deliver technical review and help districts make better use of ECS and other state investments. Lawmakers debating the measure repeatedly affirmed respect for local control while acknowledging the state’s large investments in education and the need to protect those dollars.

Several members, including Senator Berthel and Representative Zepkis, sought clarity about whether the auditors of public accounts have authority to audit a local school district; sponsors said the auditors are under legislative purview and the committee can authorize such work. Representative Kennedy and others asked for quicker timelines for appointments so the board can be ready for the 2025–26 school year.

Opponents and some members worried about potential overreach and the process for selecting districts to review; sponsors noted the measure uses the state’s existing school accountability categories to identify districts in need. The substitute also requires any forensic audit report to be made public and presented to the committee.

The committee recorded the motion and held a roll call; votes were recorded by the clerk and held open prior to final posting.