Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to review the District’s financial condition and budgeting practices for the period July 1, 2012 through May 27, 2016.

Background

The Spencerport Central School District is located in the Towns of Ogden, Gates, Greece and Parma in Monroe County. The District, which operates six schools with approximately 3,600 students, is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Education. Budgeted appropriations for the 2016-17 fiscal year total approximately $77.1 million.

Key Findings

• Appropriations in the District’s adopted budgets from 2012-13 through 2015-16 were overestimated by approximately $12.4 million.
• The employee benefit accrued liability reserve, liability reserve and unemployment insurance reserve are overfunded by as much as $2.7 million.

Key Recommendations

• Develop realistic estimates of appropriations in the annual budget to ensure the tax levy is not higher than necessary.
• Review all reserves at least annually to determine if the amounts reserved are necessary and reasonable and use the excess amounts in accordance with applicable statutory provisions in a manner that benefits residents.