Lawmakers Weigh Colorado Online Schools Audit Request

DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers are directing auditors to research how to examine online schools K-12 schools after Democratic Senate President Brandon Shaffer expressed concern over student failure rates at the schools.

Lawmakers voted Tuesday to approve staff research time on how an audit of the online schools would be conducted. Shaffer told lawmakers in a letter Monday that he wants an emergency audit completed before the Legislature meets in January and begins budget discussions. An audit typically takes about 9 months to complete.

The state auditor's office says it will look at whether it can complete part of the audit before the legislative session and the rest of Shaffer's request later. Officials will revisit the topic in November.

Shaffer says online schools receive state funding but have little oversight.

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