An audit from the Department of Legislative Services has found multiple wrongdoings within the Baltimore City Public Schools system. According to the review, there were significant lapses in financial management and employee screening processes. The findings suggest that the district did not consistently follow procurement policies and maintain necessary documentation for disbursements, resulting in over $5 million in improperly awarded contracts. The report by FOX Baltimore highlights the failure of City Schools to collect $1.5 million in salary costs from third parties and lapses in the protocol for pre-approving City Schools Police overtime.
Involving late payments, the audit disclosed the delay of more than 16,000 invoices totaling upwards of $142 million, paid over 90 days late from July 1, 2021, to Feb. 28, 2023. City Schools CEO Sonja Santelises acknowledged the findings while maintaining that the district managed its funds well despite the influx of federal and state dollars. "We will take this, we’ll learn from it. We'll improve our processes even more, so that we'll be down even further in findings next time," Santelises stated, according to WBALTV.
Beyond financial mismanagement, the audit also flagged concerns with employee background checks. It revealed that required screenings were not always completed before hiring individuals for positions that involved direct contact with minors. The Office of Human Capital has reportedly implemented a plan to gather necessary documentation for these employees.
One startling case noted in the reports involves a school police officer indicted by the FBI on charges of tax violations and fraudulent overtime claims, costing taxpayers more than $215,000. According to FOX Baltimore, ex-officer Lawrence Smith continued receiving pay for nearly a year post-arrest. Details concerning cybersecurity were also identified in the audit. However, they have been redacted under state law.
