The Unadilla Valley Central School District saved more than $300,000 in special education costs over a two-year period, according to an audit issued today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Unadilla Valley school district officials developed a more cost-effective way to provide special education services to students that eliminates tuition and avoids transportation costs,” said DiNapoli. “By delivering these classes in-house, district officials have ensured tax dollars are being spent in a prudent and economical manner.”

After the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego Board of Cooperative Educational Services discontinued operating two special education service classes housed in Unadilla Valley schools, the district began operating these classes to provide special education services using district staff. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the district implemented a third special education class, started accepting students from outside the district, and expanded its special education programs to include related services such as occupational and speech therapies.

Auditors compared the district’s special education costs to the costs for providing the same services in nearby school districts and private specialized facilities.

The district also provided special education services to students in a neighboring district and received $60,000 in tuition revenue over two years. Auditors determined the tuition charges were appropriate for recovering the costs to the district of providing these programs and related services.

To read the complete audit, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/schools/2016/unadillavalley.pdf

For access to state and local government spending, public authority financial data and information on 50,000 state contracts, visit Open Book New York. The easy-to-use website was created by DiNapoli to promote openness in government and provide taxpayers with better access to the financial workings of government.