Audit: MSDE Failed to Oversee Local School Hiring, Background Checks

A state audit released Jan. 22, 2026 found the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) did not adequately oversee local education agencies’ hiring, pre-employment screenings, and criminal background check procedures. Auditors with the Office of Legislative Audits concluded MSDE lacked comprehensive procedures to ensure individuals with disqualifying criminal backgrounds were not employed by local school systems, and they documented instances where required screenings were not consistently performed by some local education agencies.

The audit also flagged untimely federal reimbursement requests that risked millions in federal funds for school programs, and it raised concerns about the handling of certain no-bid contracts. Those contract issues were referred to the state attorney general’s criminal division for possible investigation. MSDE agreed with many of the findings and said it will develop regulations and attestation processes to strengthen oversight.

The findings have immediate implications for Baltimore City families and school employees. Background checks and pre-employment screenings are a cornerstone of student safety and public trust in Baltimore City Public Schools and other Maryland districts. If screenings are inconsistent, parents and staff may face increased risk and uncertainty about who works in classrooms and school buildings. The audit’s note that federal reimbursements were filed late creates a separate financial threat - delayed or lost federal funds could harm special education, Title I, and other grant-funded services relied on by students across Baltimore.

Accountability now shifts to several players. MSDE must translate audit recommendations into binding regulations and written attestation processes to verify that local education agencies follow state law and policy. Local superintendents and school boards, including the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, must respond with clear documentation showing they completed required background checks and resolved any gaps identified by auditors. The referral to the attorney general’s criminal division signals potential legal scrutiny of contracting practices that bypassed competitive procurement rules.

For Baltimore residents, the audit underscores the connection between state oversight and day-to-day school operations. Parents and community leaders should expect more detailed reports from their school district about hiring and vetting procedures, and they should press school boards for timely disclosure of corrective actions. State legislators who oversee education policy may also weigh in during upcoming committee sessions as MSDE develops new rules.

What comes next is a mix of policy and process: MSDE rulemaking, local documentation and attestation, and possible criminal inquiry into contract practices. Baltimore families and taxpayers will be watching whether those reforms restore confidence and protect the programs and students that depend on secure hiring practices and stable federal funding.