Columbus – A review of Galion City School District, as requested by the Ohio Department of Education, identified $654,254 in potential savings, according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

“Galion City Schools have been hit by a combination that could put Mike Tyson on his back,” Auditor Yost said. “After making some tough decisions, the district may still need help from its corner to stay on its feet.” 

The audit shows that high utility rates, declining enrollment and lack of revenue are contributing factors to the district’s financial issues.  

A recommendation to improve the operating efficiencies of its bus fleet to an 80 percent utilization rate has already been implemented by the district, which could generate $73,000 in annual savings. The district has also created a bus replacement schedule.

A combined $131,468 could be saved annually if the district renegotiates to increase employee health insurance contributions to peer levels of 15 percent and eliminates retirement pick-ups for administrative employees.

Although the district is below peer average, it may need to consider reducing staffing to state minimum standards by eliminating 8.5 teaching and support positions, resulting in savings of $377,500 annually. 

A full copy of this performance audit may be accessed online.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Press Secretary
614-644-1111