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Inspector general seeks broader access, subpoena authority and clarified independence; board presses for employee protections
Summary
Inspector General Teresa Michael and counsel Carrie High presented revisions to three OIG-related policies that would expand definitions, clarify independence, and add administrative subpoena authority for external entities; board members raised questions about a 10-working-day records deadline and protections for district employees and requested further wordsmithing and another workshop.
Inspector General Teresa Michael and her attorney Carrie High presented proposed updates to three board policies covering the audit committee (policy 1.091), the inspector-general office (policy 1.092), and the district's fraud policy.
High said the updates align district policies with statute and best-practice standards from the Association of Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office's Yellow Book. Among the notable changes are clarified definitions for OIG activities, a proposal to move investigative oversight from the audit committee to the full board, strengthened language on the inspector general's independence, broader "unrestricted" access to records needed for OIG activities, and administrative-subpoena language intended to compel external, non-district entities to provide records when they do not respond to requests.
The proposed inspector-general policy also defines a "conflict subject" for complaints that involve the superintendent, general counsel or board members and establishes a process for referring those matters to outside conflict investigators, including a new sworn affidavit and point-of-contact procedure.
Board members engaged in extended questioning. Several members said the policy's 10-working-day response window for records from either internal or external entities may be too short and asked for a clearer distinction between internal staff and external entities ("Is this for employees or outside entities?" one member asked). High and the IG said subpoenas are intended only for external parties and that the office will not administratively subpoena district employees; they also described internal checks (audit plans, predicates for investigations and multi-level reviews) to prevent unilateral or "rogue" investigative actions.
Members raised concerns about chilling effects on employees and the need for clear language protecting staff and setting reasonable timelines and due process. Vice Chair Andrews and other board members asked the IG to produce plain-language materials (pamphlets, cheat sheets and outreach) so staff understand reporting responsibilities and safeguards. The board agreed that staff and board members with concerns should meet with the IG and counsel to refine language; the IG was asked to return with revised wording and the three policies as a consolidated package.
No final policy amendments were adopted at the meeting; board members directed additional workshops and wordsmithing before any final vote.
