BPS plans purchasing overhaul after OIG found procurement violations

What happened

BPS says it will restructure district purchasing and payment oversight after an Inspector General review found $857,261 in purchases from 2018–24 that failed to comply with parts of state procurement law. In its review of 905 invoices, BPS held or adjusted 13 for issues such as missing or mismatched paperwork, incorrect purchase-order matches, or items outside state contracts; broader reforms are planned for FY2027–28.

Why it matters to families

The findings point to weaknesses in controls over public funds spent across the district, though the report does not establish that the $857,261 was lost. BPS says it will bring procurement and accounts-payable functions under the Chief Financial Officer and redesign its processes to improve legal compliance and contract oversight.

The evidence

The October 9, 2026 superintendent response states that the OIG documented $857,261 in procurements from 2018 to 2024 that did not comply with elements of Chapter 30B. BPS reports reviewing 905 invoices during a 10-business-day payment pause: 518 were paid after review, 374 were already on hold pending confirmation that goods or services were received, and 13 were held or adjusted for further review. The response says BPS planned a procurement/accounts-payable restructuring plan by October 30 and systemic redesign work through FY2027 and FY2028.

The source