Audits, audits, everywhere audits! MRPS is in the process of conducting a few audits of our system. Check out this overview of what the process is and how it helps us move forward.
THE WHAT & WHY OF AN AUDIT
This article provides a pretty good definition of an audit conducted in a school system. It says, “Internal auditing is an evaluative process used to improve the operations of a school district. This practice helps the district accomplish its goals by bringing a systematic approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of various areas (risk management, governance, etc.).”
From my perspective, an audit allows outside experts in certain areas to have a peek into our system. It gathers evidence from multiple sources about our systems and attempts to tie those together into areas of strength and opportunities for growth. When you're in the trenches, as we are, it is wonderful to have an outside perspective.
Audits do have their downside. There is no way, for instance, that an outside person can come in and give a completely full picture of any system. Not every educator, student, or caregiver will be interviewed or fill out the survey. Knowing this, it could be easy for some to dismiss the feedback. Audits are also incredibly expensive so school districts have to choose wisely which systems they want to have a closer look at.
AUDITS AT MRPS
Recently, MRPS has conducted two audits. We have hired a group to conduct a third. Our financial audit from last school year was recently completed. This audit is conducted annually and has to be done by statute. We had no findings in this audit.
We have also just completed an audit of our system of inclusion for special education. We learned a lot from this audit. Look to next week’s blog for more information!
The audit that is just beginning is around equity. We have hired the Equity Leadership Group to conduct this audit. Be on the lookout next fall for opportunities to participate in that process.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting feedback is sometimes not easy. It is, however, essential to our growth as a district. I’m looking forward to sharing intentional plans created as a result of the feedback coming in from our audits. Stay tuned!
