Overview
- The Joint Audit Committee voted to examine DPI’s process for investigating, suspending, and revoking educator licenses, including timelines, evidence gathering, staffing, and investigator qualifications.
- The audit follows reporting that more than 200 educator misconduct or grooming allegations were investigated from 2018 to 2023, with some cases ending in license surrenders rather than revocations.
- State Superintendent Jill Underly testified before senators, rejected claims of concealment, and said every allegation is investigated, while citing limited resources and lack of subpoena authority.
- DPI launched a public database that lists revoked and surrendered educator licenses and said it will modernize licensing practices and seek statewide standards for school boards.
- Republican lawmakers introduced a bill to make child grooming a felony, with Rep. Amanda Nedweski delivering the measure to Underly, as political pressure continued, including calls for her resignation.