HR Self-Audit Checklist for Charter Schools

1️⃣ Worker Classification

• ☐ All staff are correctly classified as W-2 employees or 1099 contractors

• ☐ Contractor agreements are current and clearly define scope of work

• ☐ Contractors do not have set schedules controlled by the school

• ☐ Contractors are not supervised like employees

• ☐ Job descriptions exist for every employee role

Risk Flag: If someone works regular hours onsite under your direction, revisit classification

2️⃣ Employee Handbook & Policies

• ☐ Handbook has been reviewed/updated in the past 12 months

• ☐ Policies reflect current state-specific leave laws

• ☐ PTO, sick leave, and holidays match actual practice

• ☐ At-will language (if applicable) is clearly stated

• ☐ Anti-harassment and complaint procedures are clearly outline

• ☐ Staff have signed a current handbook acknowledgment

Risk Flag: If your leadership team handles issues differently than the handbook states.

3️⃣ Hiring & Onboarding

• ☐ Offer letters are used consistently

• ☐ Background checks are documented

• ☐ I-9s are completed and stored properly

• ☐ Personnel files are organized and complete

• ☐ New hires receive policy training

Risk Flag: Missing documentation in personnel files.

4️⃣ Performance Management

• ☐ Job expectations are written and measurable

• ☐ Annual evaluations are completed consistently

• ☐ Corrective action plans include:

  • ☐ Clear written expectations

  • ☐ Measurable benchmarks

  • ☐ Specific timeline

  • ☐ Scheduled follow-up meeting

• ☐ Documentation is stored in personnel files

Risk Flag: Verbal warnings with no written documentation.

5️⃣ Payroll & Compensation

• ☐ Exempt vs. non-exempt classifications are reviewed

• ☐ Overtime is tracked and paid appropriately

• ☐ Salary agreements are documented

• ☐ Stipends and extra duty pay are clearly defined

• ☐ Pay practices align with board-approved budgets

Risk Flag: Salaried employees performing hourly work without exemption review.

6️⃣ Compliance & Risk Management

• ☐ Required labor law posters are current

• ☐ Workers’ compensation coverage is active

• ☐ ADA accommodations are documented

• ☐ FMLA (if applicable) procedures are in place

• ☐ Employee complaints are logged and tracked

Risk Flag: Inconsistent enforcement of policies.

Quick Leadership Reflection

• Where would an auditor likely find gaps?

• Are policies followed consistently across departments?

• If a termination happened tomorrow, is your documentation defensible?