School accountability: audits: annual review.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angelique Ashby

SB 914 requires annual audits and an accompanying review of California's school accountability framework to strengthen transparency and oversight.

Referred to Com. on ED.

#schoolaccountability #annualreview #audits

Summary of SB 914 (Session 2025-2026, California)

Purpose and intent

SB 914 establishes requirements related to school accountability by mandating annual audits and an accompanying review. The bill aims to enhance transparency around school accountability measures and ensure timely, standardized assessment of school performance. The overarching goal is to provide consistent, ongoing verification of accountability metrics across schools and districts.

Key provisions and changes

Annual audits of school accountability: The bill requires a structured, yearly audit process focused on school accountability metrics. This likely involves reviewing data, processes, and outcomes used to judge school performance.

Annual review: In addition to the audit, there is an annual review component to interpret audit findings, assess compliance with accountability standards, and identify areas for improvement.

Scope of review: The provisions specify that the audits and reviews pertain to the state’s school accountability framework, potentially including metrics such as standardized testing results, graduation rates, college and career readiness indicators, and other state-defined accountability measures.

Reporting requirements: The outcome of the audits and the annual review would presumably be documented in a formal report to the Legislature or relevant education authorities, with findings and recommendations.

Compliance and timelines: The bill outlines timing for conducting audits and submitting reports on an annual schedule, aligning with the school year and budget cycles.

Who or what would be affected

Public schools and districts: Entities subject to the state’s accountability framework would be affected through mandatory audits and annual reviews, influencing how accountability data is validated and reported.

California Department of Education (CDE) and accountability authorities: The state’s education department or designated agencies would lead or coordinate the audit processes, collate data, and issue findings.

Stakeholders in accountability data: School boards, administrators, educators, parents, and the public would gain access to audited accountability information and annual review results, informing decisions and oversight.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative progress: The bill has passed through multiple readings and committee referrals, including:

Referred to Education (ED) committee
Passed the Senate floor with a 36-0 vote (April 30, 2026)
Referred to Assembly (and to committees on APPR and Education) with subsequent amendments and hearings
Final passage in the Senate and transmission for Assembly consideration indicated in late April 2026

Effective dates: Specific start dates for the audits and annual reviews are not stated in the provided history, but typically such bills set an effective date upon enactment or designate a baseline year for implementing audits.

Implementation steps: The bill progresses through standard legislative steps (committee hearings, amendments, consent calendars, and floor votes), with potential re-references between committees as needed.

Notes

The bill lists Angelique Ashby as a co-sponsor.

The current summary reflects the publicly indicated scope: annual audits and an annual review of the school accountability framework, designed to strengthen oversight and transparency. If enacted, expect implementing regulations and detailed timelines to be issued by the CDE or related oversight bodies.