The U.S. Department of Education found much room for improvement in a recent review of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s handling of federal funds.
The performance review, dated July 25, covered a dozen federal grant programs in 2023, totaling more than $2.7 billion in the just-completed fiscal year. The total includes one-time COVID- 19 relief funds of more than $2.3 billion. Oklahoma received the lowest mark (action required) in 32 of the 52 categories measured; in seven areas, the department received recommendations; in 11 areas, the department met requirements; and in two, they received a commendation.
The review took place in December — 12 months after Ryan Walters took over as head of the agency.
Reviewers raised concerns with late audits, missing records and miscalculated data, including for state graduation rates and low-performing schools (which receive extra funding and support). For many of the areas requiring action, the federal agency gave the state 30 or 60 days to provide documentation, make corrective action or update its procedures.
The report follows a week of revelations of financial problems at the agency, over school security grants, delayed maternity leave payments, Title 1 allocations, and a new investigation by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. For context, other states including New Mexico and Florida had similar, or even worse, recent federal performance reviews.
Oklahoma Watch (OklahomaWatch.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.
