New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced his office completed audits of Global Concepts Charter School, Sherrill City School District and the Solvay 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."

Global Concepts Charter School – Cash Disbursements (Erie County)

Auditors reviewed 51 cash disbursements totaling $180,851 and found that they were generally supported by adequate documentation and appeared to be for proper school purposes. However, the board did not ensure that the policies and procedures in the charter and bylaws were followed and at times allowed the board chair to control all aspects of the disbursement and purchasing processes.

Sherrill City School District – Reserve Funds (Oneida County)

The district reported four general fund reserve funds (health insurance, tax certiorari, employee benefit accrued liability and unemployment) with balances totaling approximately $10 million. The district was authorized to establish the health insurance reserve fund and has adopted a written policy for the health insurance reserve but it has not adopted any policies for the other reserve funds.

Solvay Union Free School District – Payroll (Onondaga County)

District officials have effectively ensured the accuracy of employee salaries and wages paid by instituting comprehensive practices for processing and verifying payroll payments. However, auditors found instances where district staff made incorrect contributions to employee 403(b) accounts and made errors calculating the employee/retiree share of health and dental premiums.

For access to state and local government spending, public authority financial data and information on 140,000 state contracts, visit Open Book New York. The easy-to-use website was created to promote transparency in government and provide taxpayers with better access to financial data.