TOWSON, Md. — The Baltimore County Public Schools' procurement practices “are sound,” according to the findings of an audit of the district released Wednesday.
The most alarming finding of the audit, according to a statement released by the district, was that 20 percent of board members filed financial disclosure statements late, while 7 percent of staff had similarly tardy filings.
The audit studied board members and legislators between Jan. 1 2012 and Dec. 31, 2017, examining 33 routine audits by three state agencies, the Internal Revenue Service, and the board’s in-house auditor. The district has been recognized “from 14 to 22 consecutive years – depending on the award – for financial reporting, budget preparation, and procurement,” a statement from the district said.
“When I called, in September 2017, for an additional, independent external audit of BCPS procurement practices, I welcomed the opportunity to assure parents, staff and the community that BCPS practices are solid,” said Interim Superintendent Verletta White.
Several district policies were affirmed as best practices, or were brought up to such standards following the audit, the district said. The application of the remaining recommendations is being considered.
“I’m pleased that the audit has finally been released, but I am troubled that it took so long to share the details with the public,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. “Now that it is released, I am glad that there does not appear to be any serious red flags, but do hope that the school board will act swiftly on the tangible recommendations for improvement that were brought forward.”
