The Office of the Auditor of State Mary Taylor released its performance audit of Minford Local School District this week, outlining steps the district has taken to reduce deficits. The auditor also makes additional recommendations to the district that could save taxpayers more than $300,000 annually.

"A performance audit is a valuable tool that provides financially troubled entities with recommendations to reduce spending and improve operations," Taylor said. "I am proud that my office can help Minford Local Schools officials identify opportunities to cut costs while maintaining critical educational services."

Minford superintendent Dennis Meade said the audit shows the district is not overstaffed, but rather 19 personnel below other districts.

"Being in fiscal caution, the state does have a free audit that any school district can request from the state auditor," Meade said. "With our status, that was a given, and I really appreciate it. It was a good experience."

The performance audit of Minford Schools reviewed financial systems, human resources, facilities, transportation and food services. The report commends district administrators for taking certain steps to achieve financial stability. Those steps identified by the state include the district's implementation of a plan to get out of fiscal caution that includes certain staff reductions, and the district's establishment of an insurance consortium that has reduced fleet insurance 47.6 percent lower per bus than the average of peer districts.

Additionally, the audit also outlines several recommendations district officials should consider. These include: