Schools Look into Performance Audit to Find Ways to Save Money

Strongsville school officials are debating whether to bring in state experts for a performance audit, which would analyze how the district operates and recommend ways to save money.

At issue is the price tag: an estimated $65,000 or more.

Board member Carl Naso said the study may or may not pay for itself, depending on what it turns up.

"They might find something, but it's a gamble," Naso said.

"It's a lot of money when we're so tight with other things," board member Ruth Brickley agreed.

Naso and board member Jennifer Sinisgalli said they looked into a recent performance audit that found ways for the Parma City Schools to save $5.3 million and discovered about $4 million of those solutions involved negotiated contracts.

"The vast majority of the savings would have to be negotiated," Sinisgalli said.

Naso said the Parma audit also recommended cutting nine media specialists, which would leave only one and force the schools to close their libraries.

Treasurer Bill Parkinson said the state auditor would tailor the audit to Strongsville's specifications, looking at categories like transportation, energy management, facilities and food services, then compare the way Strongsville operates to other similar districts.

The process takes four to six months, and an auditor wouldn't be available till late spring or early summer, Parkinson said.

Board member Richard Micko asked Parkinson to talk with the state auditor's office to get a firmer handle on the cost before the district makes a decision.

Sinisgalli said the board was asked to look into the audit.

She didn't name names, but Councilman at Large Duke Southworth said last month he agreed to support on the March 6 ballot, only if the district agreed to a few terms, including looking into a performance audit.