Columbus - More than $1 million in potential savings were identified in a performance audit of the Walnut Township Local School District (Fairfield County) released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

“The Walnut Township Local School District saw a financial storm looming on the horizon,” Auditor Yost said. “The district is taking significant steps to avoid disaster, but it’s not in the clear yet.” 

The audit report recommended the district eliminate 7.5 full-time general education teacher positions to save $466,100 each year. Estimated savings could increase if the reduction occurs through retirement or voluntary separation of higher salaried staff. During the course of the audit, the district approved the reduction of six general education teachers for fiscal year 2015-2016. 

Reducing employee medical insurance premiums to levels comparable to industry standards could save the district an additional $286,800 each year. The district also could save $109,200 per year by outsourcing custodial duties. 

Eliminating 1.5 full-time educational service personnel positions could save approximately $81,000 in salaries and benefits annually. During the course of the audit, the district approved the reduction of one full-time librarian position for fiscal year 2015-2016. 

The Ohio Department of Education requested this performance audit due to the district's declining fiscal stability identified in the October 2014 five-year financial forecast. Significant cost-saving measures approved by the district eliminated the projected deficits for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. Although expenditures are expected to increase significantly in the latter two years of the forecast, the district’s projected deficit for fiscal year 2018-2019 was reduced from approximately $6 million to $1.2 million.

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.