Families from three audited schools — Shared perspectives and experiences about how schools used the practices reviewed in the audit.
One parent — Appreciated supports for all students, including body movement breaks, because they helped destigmatize autism and ADHD.
Parents at one school — Highlighted a QR code system that students could scan to request help.
Stephanie Barnard — Representative Stephanie Barnard thanked the presenters and asked a series of related questions about the charter school audit: she noted that one school appeared to be lagging and asked whether targeted help, sharing best practices, or other focused support could address the issue, whether the underlying problem had been identified during the report process, and how and why the four charter schools were selected for the audit in the first place.
Karen Lobos — The chair asks whether Karen Lobos from Rainier Prep is available virtually.
Marcus Harden — Identifies himself as executive director of the Washington State Charter School Commission and begins responding to questions.
Barbara Gilchrist — Identifies herself as director of government relations for the Washington State Charter Schools Association and speaks in support of the report.
Julie Kennedy — Julie Kennedy, executive director of Excellent Schools Washington, introduced herself and testified in support of the SAO report on how public schools identify and support at-risk students, drawing on firsthand observations from the schools studied. She also clarified in response to a question that Excellent Schools Washington is a nonprofit launched in July 2024.
Justin Stowe — Justin Stowe, assistant director of performance audit at the State Auditor's Office, introduces himself and gives a brief overview of the committee presentation. He explains that he will highlight four large audits on the work plan, describes how audit topics are selected and reviewed by the State Auditor and executive team for approval, and then transitions into the first highlighted audit while inviting questions.
SB5315 — Senate Bill 5315, passed in 2023, gave OSPI additional oversight over authorized entities serving students with disabilities and also included an audit requirement to evaluate how that oversight was working.
SB5414 — Described as recently passed with the office's support and as requiring social equity to be considered as one of the audit selection factors.
Scott Nelson — Identified as the director of the Legislative and Policy Affairs Office and a contact for questions.
Scott Frank — Identified as the speaker's boss and another contact for questions or suggestions.
Mr. Thomas — Receives monthly updates about ongoing audits to help coordinate with the office.
Brenton Clark — Brenton Clark, a senior performance auditor with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, introduces the charter school audit, thanks the participating schools and agencies, and then hands the presentation over to Bryson Bristol to walk through the audit results and requirements.
Bryson Bristol — Bryson Bristol is introduced as a colleague and performance auditor on the team, then he identifies himself and explains that he will review the legal requirements examined and follow with leading practices discussed in the presentation.