UCS Audit: District Cuts Expenditures By $9.5 Million

The state’s second-largest school district has managed to cut expenditures last year by $9.5 million, according to district auditors.

Auditors with Plante and Moran PLLC Monday evening at the Utica Community Schools Board of Education meeting presented the findings of the firm’s 2010-2011 audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.

Expenditures in the district have decreased from $263.8 million in the 2009-2010 school year to $254.3 in the 2010-2011 school year. The largest reductions were in the areas of school administration, business and general administration, and operations. Overall salaries fell 7 percent.

Board of Education president Dr. Carol Klenow noted that the largest percentage of the district’s general fund budget, 77 percent, still remains on instruction and instructional support.

“Our public should be very confident that we are continuing to focus on instruction,” she said.

The district’s second-largest expense, at nine percent, is allocated to general operations.

Donna Hanson, CPA and Plante & Moran partner, told board members the district has met all standards and did not report any findings even in the face of increased accountability standards required by federal stimulus funding and other grants. 

Since 2006, the district has made more than $100 million in budget adjustments. These changes have included employee concessions, school closures, reduced staffing, contracted services, and program adjustments.

“The district continues to make the necessary adjustments to address its fiscal realities,” said Dr. Christine M. Johns, superintendent of schools. “We will continue to work within the resources available to offer our students a comprehensive core academic program.”