Akron Public Schools will bring in state auditors to help the district determine how its operations can become more efficient and effective.
With a unanimous vote, the school board on Nov. 24 approved paying the Ohio Auditor’s Office up to $114,534 to conduct a performance audit of the district, which will provide recommendations on how to reduce costs and improve programs and operations. Money from the district’s Educational Service Center fund, which is separate from the district’s main operating fund, will cover the audit cost.
Treasurer Wayne Bowers II, a former assistant state auditor, said the audit will analyze the district’s financial management and its human resources, facilities and transportation operations. He said the audit is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
The district’s last performance audit was completed in 1998.
The new performance audit comes as district leaders seek to make significant budget cuts. The district, which has been spending more money than it collects, is projected to exhaust its cash reserves in 2028 if no changes are made to increase revenue or reduce costs.
Bowers said district officials already have taken action to reduce employee overtime, have been analyzing every purchased services contract for savings and have begun examining whether employees who leave the district need to be replaced.
District officials also are looking at ways to boost student enrollment, including bringing students back who may have left for a charter or private school and promoting itself better to new Akron families.
Reach Akron Beacon Journal education writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kweir@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Public Schools to spend nearly $115,000 for performance audit
Reporting by Kelli Weir, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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