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Chandler Unified School
District (August 2007) |
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At 61.1 percent, Chandler USD’s
classroom dollar percentage was the same as comparable districts’, but well
above the state average of 58.3 percent. The District’s fiscal year 2006
per-pupil administrative costs were similar to the comparable districts’
average. Despite similar costs, the District did not adequately manage its
credit card and cell phone usage. Some cardholders exceeded approved purchasing
limits, did not obtain available discounts, and purchased items available in the
District’s warehouse. Also, the District did not collect about $16,000 that
employees owed for personal use of district-provided cell phones. Student
transportation costs were lower than the comparable districts’ average; however,
the District should look for program efficiencies because costs exceeded state
funding by $2 million. Using performance measures, such as bus capacity
utilization, cost per mile, and cost per rider, would help monitor efficiency.
The District did not adequately monitor purchases on its fuel cards. Also, the
District can better ensure all of its bus drivers are meeting minimum safety
standards. Fiscal year 2006 plant costs were similar to the comparable
districts’ average. However, with its higher per-square-foot plant cost, the
District could face significantly increasing costs as it adds new schools. The
District spent $800,000 for base salary increases from its Prop 301 performance
pay monies. In addition, about $56,000 of menu monies were paid to ineligible
staff. Based on its fiscal year 2006 accounting records, the District’s ELL
funding appeared to cover its related incremental costs.
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