Hartford, Conn. – The Connecticut State Board of Education commissioned a forensic audit of Hartford Public Schools after the district reported a projected $29 million deficit for the 2026‑2027 school year. The audit, performed by accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), concluded there was no evidence of fraud, misappropriation of district assets, improper payments, or unauthorized journal entries for the period July 2023 through June 2026.
Key Findings
CLA’s report states, “We did not identify evidence of fraud, misappropriation of District assets, improper payments, or unsupported, duplicate, or unauthorized adjusting journal entries.” Hartford Public Schools Board of Education Chair Shontá Browdy echoed the finding, saying, “We know that there’s nothing in that area whatsoever.”
The audit did confirm several deficiencies, primarily in budgeting practices, financial reporting, and documentation retention. These issues, while not indicative of wrongdoing, suggest opportunities for stronger fiscal oversight.
Recommendations and Next Steps
Among the 33 recommendations for the district and eight for the Board of Education, CLA emphasized the need for clearer documentation procedures to preserve information when staff transitions occur. “With our old chief financial officer taking another opportunity, and our new CFO starting, we have not skipped a beat at all,” Browdy noted, underscoring the district’s continuity of leadership.
CLA also highlighted the importance of proactive monitoring to detect emerging deficit trends before they solidify. “There isn’t enough proactive monitoring to be able to see when you’re on that trend line towards a deficit,” said Folashade Abiola‑Banjac of CLA.
Understanding the Deficit
The audit agreed with the district’s assessment that the shortfall stems from several legitimate cost drivers, including special‑education services, personnel expenses, the expiration of COVID‑19 relief funds, and transportation obligations for students who reside outside Hartford but attend its schools as required by law.
Chair Browdy stressed that the deficit is structural and not the result of mismanagement: “We have to overcome a structural deficit that is no fault of Hartford Public Schools. It’s how funding is made up.” She added that the district remains committed to transparency and will keep parents informed as it implements the audit’s recommendations.
Community Impact
Parents and community members have expressed relief that the audit cleared the district of any financial misconduct. At the same time, they recognize the need for improved budgeting controls to ensure that every taxpayer dollar supports student learning.
The Board of Education plans to begin its FY 2026 review after the district completes its fiscal‑year‑end closeout, using the audit’s findings as a roadmap for stronger financial stewardship.
Looking Forward
Hartford Public Schools will work closely with CLA to implement the recommended changes, aiming for greater transparency and efficiency. The district’s leadership remains confident that, with these improvements, it can better serve the educational needs of Hartford’s children while maintaining the public’s trust.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
