Principals of most special schools (18 in 27) entered untrue data into the education information system (EIS). The data concerned the number of students with special educational needs. They were entered based on medical documentation and observation, not as it should be - based on decisions and opinions issued by disability evaluation teams at the Counselling and Guidance Centres. In many cases when student data were entered into the system based on disability decisions, they were not consistent with the decisions as such or referred to outdated documents.
Special schools
The auditors stated that the data in the EIS had often been distorted, most often in case of multiple disabilities which allowed for higher subsidies. In that way all students from the Special Schools Group in Busko Zdrój (130 persons) were qualified. The audit showed that only 13 students had multiple disabilities confirmed by relevant opinions. 17 students had less severe forms of disability, whereas in case of the remaining 100 students the school could not submit any formal decision.
As a consequence of such actions, 12 local governments[1] (which are leading authorities for schools) received subsidies for special education higher than they should. Only in the period 2009 - 2011, undue amount totalled more than PLN 22.9 million. At the same time, 7 local governments [2] got PLN 1.2 million less money than required.
NIK negatively evaluates the way local governments exercise supervision over schools. Only Kartuzy and Poznań Poviats as well as Lublin City verified if the data in EIS complied with disability decisions and opinions. In other local governments such measures were not taken despite the legal obligation to do so.
The audit also revealed that the headmasters of a half of the audited schools had not provided effective protection of students’ personal data. This information includes sensitive data, doctor’s opinions and medical reports concerning health condition and disability type. In 8 schools they were available for teachers or administrative employees who did not have required authorisation of the principal. In 7 schools no records of eligible persons were kept. In 9 educational institutions there were no procedures for data protection and processing. As a result of the NIK inspectors’ intervention, the irregularities were removed in 5 schools. Other school principals were given relevant post-audit recommendations.
[1] Cities: Opole, Poznań; poviats: Busko-Zdrój, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, Puławy, Szczytno, Ostróda, Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Wolsztyn, Gniezno, Wschowa, Żagań
[2] Cities: Kielce, Piotrków Trybunalski, Łódź, Konin, Zielona Góra; poviats: Wejherowo, Września
