Tolleson Elementary School District

In fiscal year 2012, Tolleson ESD’s student achievement was similar to peer districts’, and its operational efficiencies were mixed, with some costs higher and some costs lower than peer districts’, on average. The District’s plant operations and food service program operated efficiently, but its administration and transportation program operated less efficiently with higher costs than peer districts’ averages. Administrative costs were higher primarily because the District paid some higher administrative salaries than the peer districts averaged. Additionally, the District lacked adequate controls over user access to its computer network and systems. The District’s transportation costs were higher than the peer districts’, on average, partly because it operated a smaller program and transported more special needs and homeless riders. However, the District should look to improve the efficiency of its regular education routes and establish and monitor performance measures to help lower transportation program costs.