CH-UH SCHOOL DISTRICT PERFORMANCE AUDIT  

A permanent 6.5 mill levy ($11 Million) proposed by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District is on the November 3rd ballot this Fall. This is an 8% increase in our property tax rate which is currently 2.86%.   If this passes, CH-UH will have the 2nd highest property tax rate in Ohio. It is more important now than ever that the District take steps to ensure that it is using its resources wisely. We call on the CH-UH School District and the School Board to request a comprehensive Performance Audit from Ohio’s State Auditor before taxing our community.  Keep the Heights Affordable!! 

What is a Performance Audit?

·       A Performance Audit is a full review of a school district’s finances and operations conducted by Ohio’s State Auditor. It covers areas like building maintenance, food purchasing, bus routing, staffing, health insurance, collective bargaining agreements, employee compensation, contract management, and facility and asset utilization. 

·       In addition to cost savings, a Performance Audit would increase the District’s transparency, and credibility, as well as establish a vital line of communication with taxpayers.

When was the last Performance Audit performed? 

·       The last Performance Audit was conducted in 1999 – 27 years ago! It identified approximately $6-7 million in annual savings from improving the District’s management of procurement practices, facility utilization, staffing levels, employee benefits, and student transportation costs.  

·       In the past,the District has inexplicably refused residents’ calls for a Performance Audit.   Now it is more important than ever.

How much does a Performance Audit cost?

The State Auditor works for the taxpayers and seeks only direct cost recovery. The State Auditor’s recommendations to school districts have yielded an average of $22.50 in savings possibilities for every $1.00 spent to audit. The estimated cost of a Performance Audit is $75,000. 

Our community has demonstrated a strong commitment to our schools hence being in the top 1% of highest property taxes in the state.  The CH-UH School District and the Board of Education should honor the community’s commitment by holding themselves accountable to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are well spent.

WE CALL ON THE CH-UH BOARD OF EDUCATION TO:

·       REQUEST A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE COVERING ALL SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF THE DISTRICT’S BUDGET, INCLUDING BENEFIT AND PENSION COSTS, BUSING, FACILITIES, OPEN ENROLLMENT, STAFFING AND PURCHASING.