CA AB84

Establishes the Office of the Education Inspector General to conduct forensic audits and investigations of fraud, misappropriation of funds, and illegal practices at the State Department of Education, school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and charter management organizations, with the Inspector General appointed by the Governor from candidates nominated by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Strengthens charter school oversight by requiring chartering authorities to annually review attendance data, attend governing body meetings, review meeting agendas and minutes, and sample expenditures; prohibits school districts with fewer than 10,000 pupils from authorizing nonclassroom-based charter schools exceeding 100% of the district's average daily attendance

Phases in requirements for charter schools to report financial data using the Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS) in the same manner as school districts, beginning with larger charter schools (5,000+ ADA) and nonclassroom-based schools in 2028-29, with all charter schools complying by 2030-31

Revises funding determination requirements for nonclassroom-based charter schools, establishing specific thresholds for certificated staff salary expenditures (35-40% of public revenue) and instruction-related expenditures (60-80% of total revenue) to qualify for 70%, 85%, or 100% funding levels

Requires local educational agencies to adopt contractor policies by July 1, 2027, prohibiting sectarian materials, enrollment incentives, employee bonuses tied to attendance metrics, contracts with pupils' relatives for exclusive services, and purchases of amusement park passes, while mandating criminal background checks for contractor personnel interacting with students