Audit Objective
Determine whether the Greece Central School District (District) Board of Education (Board) and District officials sought competition for the procurement of professional services.
Key Findings
The Board and District officials did not always seek competition for professional services. As a result, officials cannot assure taxpayers that professional services were procured in the most economical way and without favoritism. Of the 51 professional service providers that were paid more than $10,000, or a total of $5.5 million between July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024:
- Officials did not seek or provide documentation to support the competition process for 33 professional service providers that were paid $2.4 million (65 percent).
- Officials consistently used the same attorneys since 2011, and an occupational and physical therapy provider since 2006 without seeking competition.
- Officials did not adhere to the District’s written policies and procedures. For example, three medical service providers were paid $346,995 without using the required Request For Proposals (RFP) process. Using RFPs increases awareness of other professional service providers who could offer similar services at a more favorable rate, could result in existing professional service providers providing more favorable terms, and helps assure taxpayers that procurements are made in their best interest.
Recommendations
The report includes three recommendations, which if implemented, will improve the District’s procurement of professional services.
District officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they will take corrective action.