02/17/2015
Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich released the audit of the St. Joseph School District today.
In the areas audited, the overall performance of this entity was Poor.
The district's use of its existing salary schedules and stipend system has resulted in a confusing, inconsistently applied, and poorly documented system of compensation. In Aug. 2013 Superintendent Fred Czerwonka approved additional travel schedule allowances and night duty stipends totaling approximately $250,000 to 54 employees. Stipend payments totaled $3.8 million for the 2013-2014 school year.
Czerwonka signed a contract without board approval for professional development services totaling $90,800. The district did not enter into a timely written contract for food services management. The district paid $1.6 million for these services during the 2013-2014 school year.
The district inaccurately reported 2013 and 2014 summer school attendance to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, resulting in an overpayment of state aid totaling approximately $3.5 million.
The district reduced budgeted expenditures by $3.07 million, including staffing cuts, for the 2013-2014 school year due to reductions in state funding. In addition, the district's questionable expenditures and other financial obstacles could result in a decline of the district's financial condition.
To read the full report, visit here.
