Auditors Will Review JCPS' Policies, Procedures

Auditors will be in the Jefferson County Public School district soon to begin a curriculum management audit. Phi Delta Kappa International will visit schools and report on several issues involving district management.“The audit looks at everything," said JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens. It does look at finances, it looks at facilities, budget, transportation, everything—all parts of the system that impacts learning."The audit is included in Hargens’ 90-Day Plan and will help her and the school board determine what changes, if any, the district will make.“The auditors will be here the week of October 17 to actually visit schools and then they will do their findings and their recommendations and we’ll have a report. And the recommended actions actually become a blue print for improvement and its about aligning and being more efficient and focused,” she said.Prior to arriving next month, the audit team will review the district's policies and procedures. In Jefferson County, auditors will visit every school to observe classes and interview parents and staff.This will be the second prominent review under Hargens' watch for policies and procedures in the district. The first review came earlier this month from Dr. Gary Orfield, who made recommendations on the JCPS student assignment plan.Now, a team of 27 auditors will be visiting classrooms, talking to teachers and parents and reviewing plenty of data. Hargens has made clear the importance that data plays in her decision making.Hargens has experience with curriculum management audits, which look at several aspects of the school district’s operation, she said.The audit will cost around $300,000.