The Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd has proposed several measures to prevent future financial mismanagement, following a comprehensive audit of the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) from 2015 to 2023. The audit revealed numerous irregularities, including administrators benefiting from vendor contracts and avoiding competitive bidding processes. While some findings are contested by TPS officials, Byrd has handed over her report to Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office for potential criminal investigation. She also suggested changes to state laws to ensure greater transparency and accountability in school district finances. At a meeting with local political figures and community members, Byrd outlined her recommendations but emphasized that enforcement of existing regulations could have prevented these issues.

In recent years, concerns about financial practices at TPS have escalated. Byrd's audit uncovered multiple instances where school administrators engaged in questionable financial dealings. One notable case involved an administrator whose personal company received substantial payments from an engineering firm contracted by the district. Additionally, administrators reportedly circumvented competitive bidding requirements by keeping vendor payments just below the $50,000 threshold, which would otherwise trigger a formal request for proposals. These actions not only violated procurement policies but also raised questions about conflicts of interest within the district.

The audit also highlighted other significant financial discrepancies. Over $5 million was reportedly spent in violation of state laws concerning race and sex education, while nearly $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds lacked proper documentation. Such oversights have sparked public outcry and calls for accountability. Despite these revelations, some TPS officials maintain that certain findings are inaccurate or misinterpreted. Nonetheless, Byrd's report has prompted serious discussions about the need for systemic reforms.

To address these issues, Byrd proposed several legislative changes aimed at enhancing oversight. She advocated for stricter enforcement of competitive bidding rules and expanding laws governing the hiring of consultants. Furthermore, Byrd suggested that school districts adopt the practice of publishing monthly expenditure reports, similar to county governments. This increased transparency would allow taxpayers to monitor how their funds are being used. Byrd's recommendations were presented before a gathering of state legislators and representatives from various levels of government, signaling a broader push for reform in educational finance management.

While Byrd refrained from commenting on potential criminal charges, many attendees at the meeting expressed a desire for legal action against those responsible for the mismanagement. In response, Ronda Vuillemont-Smith, the outgoing chairwoman of the Tulsa County Republican Party, provided contact information for Attorney General Drummond's office. Despite these calls for prosecution, the focus remains on implementing preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. Byrd's audit serves as a critical step toward improving financial integrity in Oklahoma's public schools.