District Audit Report Compliance Tips for Summer

Texas law requires school districts to conduct safety and security audits of their facilities at least once every three years and report the results to the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC). In the current audit cycle (Sept. 1, 2023–Aug. 31, 2026), districts must complete their audit by Aug. 31, 2026, and submit their report no later than Sept. 15, 2026. Submitting accurate, timely audit results supports statewide efforts to improve school safety.

Timely Submission is Critical

Public reporting has historically highlighted districts that miss audit report deadlines.

Did You Complete Your Spring To-Do’s?

The first article in our series covered two time-sensitive district audit report (DAR) components: climate surveys and intruder assessments. These activities are most effective while school is in session, when stakeholders are accessible and campuses are operating under normal conditions. If you haven’t completed those items yet, prioritize them as soon as possible.

Next Step: Complete Your Facility Assessments

The DAR requires districts to assess safety and security at every facility. Summer is an ideal time to conduct facility assessments because it minimizes disruption to instruction.

Form a Team

The TxSSC recommends selecting a cross-functional team of school personnel and collaborative partners to provide a comprehensive, objective assessment.

Best practices:

• Include district safety and security committee members.
• Create a structured assessment schedule.
• Clearly assign responsibility for reviewing facility areas and supporting documentation such as visitor logs, staff contact lists, and emergency communication testing records.

Use the TxSSC Facility Assessment Spreadsheet

Your team will walk through campuses, transportation facilities, and other district buildings to evaluate security measures. The TxSSC facility assessment spreadsheet is designed to guide a consistent, comprehensive review.

Districts should tailor the spreadsheet to match their facilities. However, take care not to eliminate items that are relevant to your operations.

Remaining Components

Our final article in this series will cover the remaining DAR components in detail. For planning purposes, districts should prepare to:

• Update the Emergency Operations Plan based on assessment findings
• Present audit results to the Board of Trustees
• Submit audit results to the TxSSC

Key Dates

Districts may complete DAR components on their own internal schedules, but careful planning is essential.

In the final year of each audit cycle:

• April: The TxSSC emails a DAR reporting link and access code to superintendents. If the email is not received, contact the TxSSC promptly.
• August 31: All DAR components must be completed.
• September 15: Audit results must be submitted through the TxSSC reporting system.

Additional Reminder: TEA Sentinel Reporting

Districts should also confirm access and procedures for TEA’s Sentinel system, which serves as the agency’s platform for school safety and security reporting.

Quick Summer Checklist

• Form a cross-functional facility assessment team.
• Create and publish an assessment schedule.
• Complete facility walkthroughs for all district buildings.
• Review supporting documentation (logs, contact lists, communication tests).
• Tailor and complete the TxSSC facility assessment spreadsheet.
• Identify emergency operations plan updates based on findings.
• Prepare a draft board report.
• Confirm receipt of the TxSSC reporting link.
• Confirm TEA Sentinel access and procedures.

The TxSSC district audit report toolkit is available to all districts. Fund members who need additional audit support can contact TASB School Safety and Security Consultant Andy Michael at andy.michael@tasb.org.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2023. It has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.