Institute of Internal Auditors Applauds Court Ruling
to Pause Termination of Baltimore County Public School Chief Auditor

On May 17, Andrea Barr’s 36-year career was improperly put in jeopardy when the 11-member Baltimore County School Board voted on whether to renew her contract. Six members of the board voted to renew her contract, while the remaining five abstained or recused themselves. The board declared the motion had failed and that the chief auditor’s contract would end on June 30.

Ms. Barr sued the school board and the judge’s ruling puts her termination on hold until her case is heard in court.

“After 36 years of service, Ms. Barr deserves an opportunity to defend her case in a full and transparent review with the Board,” said Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP, president and CEO of The IIA. “Internal auditors deserve a full vote by their governing body when it comes to renewing their contracts. On behalf of the internal audit profession, I call upon the school board to re-consider Ms. Barr’s contract in a transparent manner. No auditor should be removed without cause when a full vote of the school board has not occurred.”

The IIA strongly believes that an independent audit function in government helps protect taxpayer dollars and ensures that governments, businesses and other entities are transparent and accountable to the public.

It's worth noting that in 2019, Ms. Barr filed a harassment and intimidation complaint against two members of the school board who, at the time, were serving on the board’s audit committee.

“Internal auditors are vital to ensuring integrity, transparency, and independent review of business and organizations,” added Pugliese. “They play a vital role in protecting taxpayer dollars and protecting the public interest. It is essential that internal auditors be allowed to investigate and follow facts, wherever they may lead, and they must be allowed to do so without fear of reprisals, retaliation, or termination.”

Media Contact

Chris Almonte
The Institute of Internal Auditors
Chris.Almonte@theiia.org
+1-407-937-1349

About The Institute of Internal Auditors

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is a nonprofit international professional association that serves more than 230,000 global members and has awarded more than 185,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.