Chair proposes Black History compliance audit; auditors say they can do it but committee debates scope and priority

Chair Steven Hunter Johnson asked the ABAC to consider directing the chief auditor to examine the district’s compliance with new Black History instructional standards that took effect in 2023.

"I asked Mr. Auditor whether or not our compliance with those instructional requirements can be audited… he thinks they can," the chair said, introducing the item and asking for a brief presentation.

Chief Auditor John Goodman told the committee the office is capable of conducting a compliance audit of instructional requirements but asked ABAC to prioritize audits because of finite staff and other audits already planned. "We are capable of doing such an audit… it would be some sort of compliance audit," Goodman said, adding he would need direction from the committee on whether to include it in the next audit plan.

Several board members suggested alternative forums: one member noted a separate advisory committee (formerly DIACC, now OEA C) focuses on Holocaust, Black History and diversity and could examine curriculum implementation. Others raised questions about whether an audit office is the appropriate home for curriculum review versus an educational materials compliance or academic committee.

Dr. Gallo (board member) voiced concern about audit capacity and whether auditors have the subject‑matter expertise to evaluate curriculum content, while affirming the committee’s obligation to ensure legal compliance. The committee agreed to leave the item on new business and requested the auditor present his proposed audit priorities, including whether two operational audits could be accommodated next year.

No formal directive to start the audit was adopted; the ABAC will consider the request while the auditor finalizes the upcoming audit plan and the educational advisory committees may be asked to review the proposal in parallel.