By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-875821.mp3
Albany, NY – The New York State Comptroller cites poor budgeting in uncovering a 1-point-6 Million Dollar lunch fund deficit that contributed to cash flow problems for the Albany City School District, as we hear in this report from Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released an audit covering the years 2004 thru 2008 that also identified more then 200-thousand dollars in missed savings and waste by the district - the Comptroller sternly noting that now more than ever, local governments and school districts should be watching every dime.
The audit uncovered accumulated operating deficits in the school lunch fund. DiNapoli's analysis also found the district failed to properly protect laptop computers and musical instruments from loss.
Examiners also found the district could have saved taxpayers 47-thousand dollars if it had taken simple actions like powering computers down on nights and weekends. Auditors also found the district paid over 5-thousand dollars to employees for its health insurance buyback program who were not eligible for those payments.
While the findings of the audit were startling, DiNapoli says they're not uncommon. Bill Hogan, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs at the City School District of Albany, says the district is on top of the issues at hand, addressing each and every one.
The Comptroller's office plans to audit all of New York's School Districts by 2010.