Special Education Department Audit

The Little Rock School District is seeking a firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of its Special Education Department to ensure compliance with federal and Arkansas state regulations. The chosen firm will review all special education programs, policies, and practices, and provide actionable recommendations to enhance compliance, learning environments, efficiency, innovation, and the quality of special education services. The scope of work includes conducting a project kickoff meeting, reviewing current internal policies, conducting interviews and focus groups, evaluating compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Arkansas-specific laws, and providing advisement on compliance, budgeting, and organizational improvement. The firm will deliver a comprehensive audit report, data collection and synthesis, and a final presentation to district leadership and key stakeholders. Key objectives include ensuring the district meets all federal and Arkansas state requirements, identifying opportunities to increase programmatic efficiency and fiscal responsibility, and delivering an actionable roadmap for compliance and program improvement. • The project will be conducted in four phases: project launch and data collection, audit and analysis, findings synthesis and stakeholder engagement, and final reporting and formal presentation. • The firm will provide bi-weekly written status reports and participate in virtual and on-site check-in meetings. • The firm will have a minimum of 7 years of district-level leadership in special education administration and experience conducting audits or compliance reviews for large urban districts. • The firm will have expertise in IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Arkansas state guidelines, and a strong background in organizational development and budget analysis.