AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Don Huffines will conduct performance reviews of up to four school districts at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott, examining whether taxpayer-funded spending is being used for its intended purposes and complies with state law.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the reviews will focus on districts of varying sizes and geographic locations. Districts governed by state-appointed boards will not be included.
The selected districts will be announced in the coming weeks, and the comptroller’s final report is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, according to the announcement. T he report could include recommendations for the Texas Legislature to consider during its 90th session.
The review, called the Huffines Performance Review, will examine whether school district spending reaches students, classrooms and teachers or is instead being directed toward administrative and noninstructional expenses, according to the comptroller’s office.
Abbott requested the reviews as Texas spends an estimated $104.9 billion on K-12 education, according to the announcement.
In his request, the governor said public education funding should be used for its intended purpose of supporting students and teachers.
Huffines said the comptroller’s office plans to conduct the reviews transparently and report its findings to the Legislature and the public.
The comptroller’s office will investigate whether public funds at the selected districts are being used for lawful and intended purposes and identify spending practices that could warrant changes.
The reviews will be limited to no more than four districts, according to the governor’s request. The comptroller has not yet announced which districts will be selected.
The announcement did not identify any specific districts under review or indicate that particular districts had engaged in improper spending. The results of the reviews will be released after the comptroller’s office completes its examination.
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