Auditor’s report finds fault with DPI spending

RALEIGH — The office of State Auditor Beth Wood, recently reelected by North Carolina voters, has found more than $140 million in federal coronavirus relief money hasn’t been properly monitored by the state Department of Public Instruction.

DPI is overseen by Mark Johnson, the state superintendent who did not seek reelection. Catherine Truitt won election to the office and has tapped Dr. Robert Taylor, superintendent of Bladen County Schools, as a deputy superintendent. Taylor has tendered his resignation, and is expected to go on board with Truitt following her swearing in the first week of January.

The audit says:

• DPI had no way of detecting misuse of $76 million distributed to school districts, charter schools and other educational units.

• DPI did not establish methods to measure results from $37 million spent for nutrition services such as breakfast and lunch for vulnerable students.

• DPI did not establish methods to ensure $31 million for summer learning programs helped improve student ability.

Johnson, who unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor, stood by his department’s handling of the funds. In a statement he said, “The most important focus was helping those in need.”