State Auditor Allison Ball releases critical audit of Kentucky Department of Education

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — State Auditor Allison Ball has released a special examination report on the Kentucky Department of Education, citing what she describes as widespread issues and lapses in oversight.

According to Ball, the audit was conducted under House Bill 825, which required a closer look at how the department is managing funds and programming.

Among the findings, Ball says her office uncovered a lapse of more than $250 million in SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) funding. She also raised concerns over what she called wasteful spending related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

In addition, the report claims that some preschool funding allocations made by the department may violate the U.S. Constitution.

Ball is calling for sweeping improvements within the agency. The Kentucky Department of Education has not yet responded publicly to the report.