Columbus – As much as $1.4 million could be saved annually by the Perkins Local School District (Erie County) according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

By reducing its staffing levels by 28 full time employees to state minimum standards, the Perkins Local School District could save $1,293,700 annually.  However, it is recommended the district determine the implications of reducing staffing levels on the quality of education before making such a decision.  Renegotiating contract language for benefits such as paid holidays for classified staff, sick leave severance at retirement and paid vacation days could save an additional $150,000 per year.  

The audit also recommends the district appropriately charge all food service costs to the food service fund.  In doing so, the food service fund will remain fully solvent while saving the general fund $22,100.

The performance audit was conducted at the request of the Ohio Department of Education to provide assistance in addressing the district’s operating deficits that will eventually deplete cash reserves.  The district is projected to have a nearly $300,000 negative cash balance by the end of the 2013-2014 school year and has had deficits since the 2010-2011 school year.  Even if the district implements all of the recommendations included in this performance audit, it still faces a projected $3 million deficit by the end of the 2017-2018 school year.