Procedures blamed in Utah ed office woes

The State Office of Education lacks systems and procedures to ensure budget reports and data are submitted accurately and on time, according to a report issued Thursday.

"It is important to note that my review found no evidence of either malfeasance or misconduct in the office by any employee," states the report, penned by associate state superintendent Larry Shumway, who was called to study late budget submissions and decisions of associate superintendent Patrick Ogden, who resigned Wednesday.

"I conclude that the problems that have occurred are the result of a failure to have in place within the office appropriate systems to support and ensure the timely completion of work."

But the report does not solely concern Ogden's duties.

The report notes problems "repeatedly manifest in inconsistencies and inaccuracies that range from test result reporting, drop-out rates, class-size averages" and teacher counts.

Recently released U-PASS test scores reports contained inaccuracies. That release was overseen by state associate superintendent Judy Park, who has not faced disciplinary action.

"Anytime I'm frustrated with inaccuracy of data, Judy immediately pulls back, tries to get a handle on what is going on," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Patti Harrington said. "There's a degree of willingness to get after the problem on one hand, and not that same willingness on the other hand."

Ogden fears findings outside his purview may "reflect upon me unfairly." He said he is writing a letter to the State Board of Education explaining his side of the story and to clear his name.

"I resigned with a clear conscience, proud of my record of public service but with a sense of disillusionment deeper than I would have thought possible after 22 years of working in state government," Ogden said in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News. "The State Superintendent and I have very different management styles and philosophies."

Ogden was placed on paid leave last week after filing budgets with the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, where he once worked, a month late, plus other unspecified concerns. Harrington appointed Shumway to look into those matters and report recommendations.

His report addresses data inaccuracies, including a teacher miscount that, along with legislative fiscal analysts' calculation errors, resulted in a $22 million legislative shortfall for teacher pay raises.