School Audit Bill Gets The Go Ahead

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Legislation authorizing random audits of Oklahoma school districts has been approved by the state House.

Rep. Ann Coody of Lawton said today the bill is designed to prevent the kinds of thefts and embezzlements that have been reported at school districts across the state.

Last year, the former superintendent of the Marble City School District pleaded guilty to embezzlement of government funds and making and subscribing a false tax return.

In 2007, the former superintendent of the Wanette School District was accused of overpaying himself and other school officials and paid $110,000 to the district as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

The bill allows the Auditor and Inspector's Office to perform a special audit on up to four school districts each year.