Hartford Schools Audit Finds Record Gaps and Weak Financial Oversight

HARTFORD, Conn. — A state-commissioned forensic audit of Hartford Public Schools found weaknesses in financial oversight and recordkeeping that left important questions about the district's finances unresolved.

The Connecticut Department of Education released the findings October 7. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP prepared the report, dated September 28, reviewing fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Based on the procedures completed, auditors did not identify evidence of fraud, misappropriation of district assets or improper payments. But incomplete records and staff turnover prevented a full reconstruction of some financial activity. The findings therefore carry limits; they do not establish that every historical transaction was independently verified.

The state's summary describes transfers and expenditure reclassifications that made the underlying causes of account deficits harder to follow. Some expenses were recorded in accounts that did not accurately represent their nature.

Reports presented to the school board reflected revised budgets after transfers, making comparison with the originally approved budget less clear.

The state also reported matches between active employees and vendors that received payments. Such matches do not, by themselves, indicate fraud or improper relationships. They warrant documented review of the relationships, disclosures and compliance with conflict-of-interest and purchasing requirements.

CLA issued 33 recommendations to the district and eight additional recommendations to its school board. These address financial management and oversight.

Fiscal year 2026 information was not sufficiently final for definitive findings. Further review is expected after the district completes its year-end closeout.

For Hartford families and taxpayers, the outstanding question is how the district will document corrective action and improve the visibility of its finances.