New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Groton Central School District, Herricks Union Free School District and the Stockbridge Valley Central School District.

“In an era of limited resources and increased accountability, it’s critical that schools make every dollar count,” DiNapoli said. “By auditing school district and charter school finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.”

Groton Central School District – Financial Management (Tompkins County)

The district’s unassigned fund balance has exceeded the statutory maximum for the past three fiscal years. The district also has three reserve funds with excessive balances. By maintaining excessive reserves, combined with budgeting practices that generate surplus funds, district officials have withheld significant funds from productive use and raised taxes unnecessarily.

Herricks Union Free School District – Fuel Card Purchases (Nassau County)

Fuel purchases reviewed by auditors appeared to be for legitimate district purposes. However, district officials paid more than $11,000 in federal, state and local taxes on fuel purchases because they did not complete the required tax exemption forms or file for proper refunds.

Stockbridge Valley Central School District – Payroll and Leave Records (Madison County)

Auditors found the various control procedures over the district’s payroll process provided adequate segregation of duties, supervision and oversight.

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For access to state and local government spending and nearly 50,000 state contracts, visit OpenBookNY. The easy-to-use website was created by Comptroller DiNapoli to promote openness in government and provide taxpayers with better access to the financial workings of government.