Committee approves audits of Arizona student safety practices, child care assistance funds

A state committee is directing the Arizona Auditor General to conduct special audits on student safety and child care assistance.

That Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted to approve the audits Monday. One audit is the fourth in a series of reviews of school safety practices at multiple school districts.

But a statement from state Rep. Matt Gress, a Republican, focuses on the Phoenix Union High School District and a fatal stabbing that occurred on one of its campuses in August.

The committee also approved an audit of Arizona’s administration of the federal Child Care and Development Fund, which gives aid to qualifying families.

Gress said the review comes as federal officials are warning of fraud and abuse in publicly funded assistance programs across the country.

In an email to KJZZ, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Union High School District wrote: “Upon notification from the Arizona Auditor General, The Phoenix Union High School District will participate in an audit of our safety systems as we have the previous two times our District was selected. PXU continues to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all those we serve, and we welcome the opportunity to continually improve our systems.”