- Legislature strengthens oversight of private special ed schools (The Seattle Times, 4/24/2023)
- Washington state lawmakers voted almost unanimously to expand oversight of private schools that serve about 500 public students with severe disabilities. The schools received approximately $50 million from the state last year despite complaints of abuses and unqualified staff. The legislation aims to expand the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s authority to investigate complaints, ensure qualified staff, and create a centralized repository for complaints against these schools.
- State audit says Washington police seizures require more transparency (Cascade PBS, 4/19/2024)
- The State Auditor’s Office conducted a review of forfeiture practices in various law enforcement agencies in Washington, emphasizing the need for increased transparency in police seizures. While agencies were found to be compliant with state laws, the audit highlighted the importance of assisting individuals in reclaiming seized property and tracking demographic data to address concerns of disproportionate targeting. Recommendations included enhancing notification processes, collecting demographic information on cases, and establishing external oversight of forfeiture decisions to mitigate conflicts of interest. The audit underscored the significance of improving transparency and procedural fairness in civil asset forfeiture practices within the state.
- What a leading state auditor says about fraud, government misspending and building public trust (Wausau Pilot & Review, 6/16/2024)
- A Washington state auditor emphasizes the need for robust financial oversight and transparency to combat fraud and mismanagement, and highlights the role of audits in identifying and correcting misspending. The pandemic increased the risk of fraud and scammers took advantage of the federal simulus dollars and new technologies. Additionally, the auditor underscores the importance of accountability and ethical governance in fostering public trust in government institutions.
- Washington lacks special education teachers, audit finds (Washington State Standard, 7/15/2024)
- Washington State is grappling with a shortage of qualified special education teachers, with at least 1.5% of them not holding the necessary credentials, according to a new state audit. This percentage is nearly three times higher than for other content areas, with the next highest being elementary education at 0.6%. Roughly 143,000 students in Washington receive special education services, with 5,813 full-time equivalent classroom teachers reported for the 2022-2023 school year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) acknowledged the issue and highlighted its efforts to address the shortage, including a teacher residency program and advocating for funding for special education and data tracking. Despite these efforts, the high turnover and lack of qualified teachers remain a critical concern.
