New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of the Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Girls, Elmira City School District and Patchogue-Medord Union Free School District.

“In an era of limited resources and increased accountability, it’s critical that schools make every dollar count,” DiNapoli said. “By auditing school district and charter school finances and operations, my office continues to provide taxpayers the assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.”

Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Girls – Financial Operations (Albany County)

The school contracts with a not-for-profit foundation for various services. The contract with the foundation is not sufficiently detailed to determine how the delivery of services will be measured and the fee structure does not appear to be reasonable. School officials have not explored whether there is a more cost-effective means to provide the services in-house that are currently being provided on a contract basis.

Elmira City School District – Financial Condition (Chemung County)

District officials have significantly improved the district’s financial condition due to staff reductions and consolidation and restructuring of the location of students. However, the board did not adopt reasonable budgets that were based on realistic estimates of revenues and expenditures. Also, the district’s current multiyear financial plan is inadequate and not sustainable.

Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District – Budget Review (Suffolk County)

Auditors found that the significant revenue and expenditure projections in the revised tentative budget are reasonable. The district’s tentative budget complies with the property tax levy limit.