LCPS Faces More In-Depth Audit
The first audit is complete for Las Cruces Public Schools but a more in-depth review from New Mexico?s Department of Education is just beginning, as data is looked at again to determine whether technical errors or manipulating the system account for unusually high trends in this year?s special education programs.
“We found across the board what I would call systemic concern. We had trouble verifying data reported to the department; we couldn’t validate records, couldn’t verify students receiving services, or they showed unusually high rates or had unusual trends,? Secretary of Education Hanna Skandera said.
In a news conference Thursday at the Las Cruces Public Schools Administration Building, Superintendent Stan Rounds said bottom line, his district is not cheating the system. Instead, Rounds said LCPS is taking the heat for a systemic problem.
Rounds said the $9,000,000 LCPS requested is actually reimbursement money for services the district provided but never received all the funding for.
He also explained the unusual spike for special education students this year is only alarming because LCPS under-reported the amount of money needed in the past.
This year, the district?s internal audit team corrected a computer glitch, but Skandera said the new data raised more red flags than any other district in the state, and said LCPS has a long way to go when it comes to transparency.
“We have work to do when it comes to good transparent reporting of data and when it comes to our taxpayers and being accountable, and number two, our resources and our investments in education, we need to be more accountable and transparent with our taxpayers dollars,” Skandera said. “It’s not okay to have shoddy data; it’s not okay to in any way have our children pay a price because we either are not reporting well or accurately, so we are on a mission to make sure it’s time for a shift.?
Rounds said LCPS has nothing to hide.
“Shoddy reporting, I point out the STARS program – which is the reporting protocol – is designed by the Public Education Department and we provide the data to their reports, and improving the reporting system would certainly benefit everyone including ourselves,” Rounds said. “What it didn’t mean is that we we?re gaming the system. What it did mean, is that we had a system problem, because you see folks, we have nothing to hide, we do want to be transparent, and we want to continue to be honest,” Rounds said.
LCPS is one of nine districts that will undergo an additional in-depth review. The Alamogordo school system is also on the list. Results will be released this fall. Skandera said sanctions could include withholding money or even freezing the district?s budget.