Mississippi reduces number of districts missing audits amid crackdown
The Mississippi Department of Education has seen a drop in the number of school districts missing annual financial audits, from 47 down to 32, according to agency chief accountability officer Paula Vanderford.
Vanderford told the state Board of Education Thursday that 19 districts are behind on their most recent audits, while 13 are missing audits for both fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Most have plans to become compliant, she added.
In recent months, the department has taken steps to address struggling districts, including the takeover of Wilkinson County and Okolona school districts. The latter faced financial difficulties that led to the takeover after district leaders contacted the state, citing payroll issues.
To improve accountability, the Board of Education approved a rule change allowing districts with two or more missing audits to be placed on probation or have their accreditation downgraded. Previously, districts could miss four consecutive audits before facing such penalties.
School board Chair Matt Miller expressed concern about future districts falling into similar issues, stating, “We don’t want any more Okolonas.”
Factors contributing to missing audits include staff turnover, shortages of district business managers, and federal funding burdens, according to agency officials. Vanderford emphasized that federal mandates require sanctions against noncompliant districts, asserting that such actions serve the public interest.
By March 31, districts must submit audits for the current fiscal year. Vanderford noted that submissions are coming in faster this year, with 63 of 138 districts already submitting reports. Officials have indicated that suspending funding remains a last resort for districts that do not comply.
While some districts face sanctions, others with severe violations, such as Hazlehurst and North Bolivar, had their corrective action plans denied by the Board of Education. These districts face potential audits or loss of accreditation if deficiencies are not addressed by Dec. 31.
State Superintendent Lance Evans highlighted limited resources, noting only $4.8 million is available to support districts under state takeover. Since the Okolona takeover, the department has spent $1.5 million and has requested additional funding from lawmakers.
Reporting contributed by Leonardo Bevilacqua.
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