Broward School District to Receive Additional Oversight After Voters Approve Inspector General
Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Measure to Enhance Transparency and Accountability
After years of complaints about waste, corruption, and mismanagement, the Broward School District will receive additional oversight, following a successful vote by county residents. On Tuesday night, voters approved the addition of an inspector general to oversee the district, with 60% of voters supporting the measure.
Inspector General to Start Working with the District in 2025
The inspector general’s office will begin working with the district in early 2025 and will cost approximately $1.2 million per year. The office’s powers will include the ability to request documents and conduct audits, which will help ensure the district is running smoothly and efficiently.
Oversight to Complement Existing Agencies
The inspector general’s office will work in conjunction with other agencies that investigate the district, including the State Attorney’s Office, the state Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, the state Commission on Ethics, and the district’s internal audit department.
Residents Call for Increased Oversight
Some residents, such as Cooper City resident and advocate for special needs students Steve Moyer, believe that the district’s history of issues identified in multiple grand jury reports warrants increased oversight. "All too often when the District ‘investigates’ itself, the outcome is preordained. ‘We have investigated the incident and found no wrongdoing, the file is closed,’" Moyer said.
Background on the Inspector General
The county inspector general was first approved through a voter-approved amendment to the Broward County charter in 2010. However, the school district declined to participate in the program. The idea to bring back the inspector general was reborn in 2022, following a grand jury report that identified gross mismanagement of an $800 million bond program, leading to the removal of four board members.
Conclusion
The addition of an inspector general will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the Broward School District. With the new office set to start working with the district in 2025, residents can expect to see improved management and a reduction in waste and corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the inspector general’s office?
A: The inspector general’s office will provide additional oversight and accountability to the Broward School District, ensuring that the district is operating efficiently and effectively.
Q: How much will the inspector general’s office cost?
A: The inspector general’s office will cost approximately $1.2 million per year.
Q: What powers will the inspector general’s office have?
A: The inspector general’s office will have the power to request documents and conduct audits, among other duties.
Q: How will the inspector general’s office work with existing agencies?
A: The inspector general’s office will work in conjunction with other agencies that investigate the district, including the State Attorney’s Office, the state Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, and others.
