Columbus – More than $2.6 million identified as potential annual savings could be realized at Springfield Local School District (Lucas County), according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“Economic factors are stacked against Springfield Schools right now,” Auditor Yost said. “The district should use every feasible opportunity to offset them.”

Auditors identified potential savings of $2,625,500 per year if the district:

• Reduces 37 general education teacher positions ($2,165,700);
• Reduces 3 educational service personnel positions ($192,500);
• Reduces sick-leave severance payouts to state minimum levels ($148,500);
• Negotiates classified employee salary schedules comparable to peers ($64,500);
• Reduces 1 “other” certificated staff position ($37,700); and
• Reduces food service labor to benchmark levels ($16,600).

The Ohio Department of Education requested a performance audit after placing the district in fiscal caution when its October 2014 five-year forecast projected a deficit of $18.4 million by fiscal year (FY) 2018-19. Fully implementing these recommendations would reduce the projected deficit by 57 percent.

According to a response letter, district officials have begun implementing performance audit recommendations. 

A full copy of this report 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.