CHICK, ROMER DISCUSS LAUSD AUDITS.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

In their first attempt to forge a working relationship, City Controller Laura Chick and schools Superintendent Roy Romer met Monday to discuss turning over all past reviews of the school district and the steps taken to implement changes.

``What I wanted to impress on her was the number of audits that have been done and how we can work together,'' Romer said. ``I explained what we have going on and how we can give her access to material, and we would certainly welcome any suggestions she has.''

The two officials put off - for the time being - any discussion over a separate management audit Chick wants to conduct of the nation's second- largest district.

``It was a good meeting, an important meeting for us to sit down and revive our understanding that we both have the same passion to see our schools succeed,'' Chick said. ``At the end, that is what we all want to see.''

Romer has agreed to provide Chick with all the audits she had requested going back five years. He said she should have all the reports by the end of next week.

He also outlined other audits that will soon be under way, including a $1.5 million examination mandated by the state and a second one required as part of the district's contract settlement with United Teachers Los Angeles involving the district's administrative operation.

``I don't want to have to spend $1.5 million on this (state) audit and then another $800,000 for an audit by Ms. Chick,'' Romer said. ``I think once she sees all the studies that have been done, she will have a different idea on what is needed.''

Chick reserved judgment.

``I want to look at what's been done and, more importantly, at what changes have been implemented as a result,'' Chick said. ``I don't know if the need for an audit will change; it depends on what I see. If they still do not invite me in to do an audit, there is still plenty to look at.''

Romer said the session gave him a greater understanding of Chick's role in the city, comparing her job to that of an inspector general with freedom to review any city operation.

Because it is a separate, independent level of government, Chick would need to be invited to conduct an audit of the district's operation - a request that has been rebuffed by the district.

Chick's offer came after several weeks of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa calling for a change in how the school system is governed, putting it under mayoral control.

Romer and Villaraigosa held a similar meeting last week to discuss areas on which the city and school system can work together. Also, Romer agreed to have a new study conducted on the student dropout rate.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com