Published April 18, 2024
About This Audit
The performance audit report evaluates the Charter Schools Office (CSO) of the School District of Philadelphia from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023, with updates through the report date. Pursuant to government auditing standards, the audit aimed to verify CSO’s adherence to the Charter School Law (CSL), Department of Education Basic Education Circulars, and internal policies, specifically regarding new charter applications, renewal processes, and performance monitoring of charter schools. The audit findings revealed that CSO complied with the legal framework for reviewing new charter applications during the designated school years. Additionally, CSO’s adherence to laws and guidance related to monitoring was verified, though improvements are recommended in process reviews and admission lottery audits. Prior audit recommendations from 2016 related to CSO’s duties were confirmed resolved. The CSO agreed with the findings and will consider the auditor’s recommendations for process improvements.
The department announced this audit in a press release on May 7, 2024. Read the press release.