At school today we had our annual compliance audit.  The second of three audits this year, I must say this was the most intense day to date.  The final audit is the biggie since it has to do solely with student residency which is the basis of funding for our school.  Today was compliance regarding federal regulations, facilities and management, student services including ESL and Special Education (which is an interesting dynamic here in DC), and supplies and inventory.

From 8:30am until 2:00pm I was in and out of the library where the auditors had set up their examination room.  Going through binder after binder of documents and asking me questions regarding procedures and policies of the school with requests for supporting documentation as a basis for my word, I was faced with hours of questioning and document presenting that I felt like I was a police officer again, testifying in court to justify my actions.  It was intense and draining.

They were simply doing their job.

So was I.

In the end, a one page summary of areas where I was not in compliance was presented to me – a verdict, perhaps – and I was happy to see that the areas that need to be addressed are handled by the Central Office and not something that was lacking on our school’s part.  We had done well.

But I was tired!  No energy even to celebrate this hurdle – just enough to leave school immediately after dismissal and head home for an afternoon run.  Back in the house, I sat lifeless for a moment before I made some dinner and now here I am, after 8PM and ready to relax before I head to school tomorrow morning only to leave early again for a late morning workshop I plan on attending….free lunch!  Something to look forward to, I suppose.