Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Superintendent Catherine McClure and State Auditor Tom Salmon, CPA, today announced a comprehensive efficiency review of the Southwest Vermont organization, one of the Vermont’s largest supervisory unions with approximately $50 million in annual expenditures. The SVSU includes the school districts of Bennington, North Bennington, Mount Anthony Union, Shaftsbury, Pownal, and Woodford.
The efficiency review, which will kick off next week, aims to provide an evaluation of the financial, organizational and operational effectiveness of the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union in its delivery of education, business and support services. Salmon said the project would be conducted by auditors from MGT, Inc., of America, an experienced, nationally-recognized audit firm specializing in reviewing educational management, with guidance from the State Auditor’s Office.
“MGT auditors will be providing insight into what the supervisory union is doing well, by comparing it to peer school districts around the state, and will also be providing recommendations to provide better services where possible and to identify areas for potential savings,” Salmon said.
Southwest Superintendent Catherine McClure noted that SVSU Board members recognize the value of this project, realizing that “in this economic climate we have to take extra steps to ensure the efficient use of school resources and be as fiscally responsible as possible.” McClure added, “It’s definitely a good practice for an organization to periodically review its financial and management practices to see if there are ways to provide more educational value for each tax dollar,” she said.
Salmon said the review would examine a wide range of school services and functions, including:
· central and school-level administration
· human resources management
· financial management and purchasing
· facilities use and plant operations
· transportation
· food service
· technology management
· and special education.
The Auditor noted that Southwest employees and the public would help identify key issues in each of these areas, beginning next week and including a public hearing on the project Thursday, April 8.
In June, MGT, Inc. auditors expect to deliver draft findings, commendations and recommendations, and best practice advice to the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Board and management. The final report is expected to cite practical steps possible to save money and improve services to support learning opportunities for all students.
Salmon said he hoped the project would inform the school consolidation discussions that are occurring all over Vermont. “As state legislators and school leaders discuss all the ways to reduce costs, it’s also good to understand what a strong focus on best practices at the local level can produce,” he said.
Public Opportunity: MGT, Inc. auditors and SVSU staff will hold a public session Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mount Anthony Middle School cafeteria to discuss the project and receive public comments on improving school services and increasing efficiencies and financial accountability. If unable to attend, please send comments via e-mail to: http://svsu.mgtamer.com
Source: State Auditor. 4.1.2010