In response to "We the People," a group of citizens asking for an audit of the Fairfield Public Schools, First Selectman Ken Flatto said that, last Spring, Selectman Sherri Steeneck had suggested that it would be a good idea to do an operational audit of the school system during a Board of Selectmen meeting.
"I do think it's a healthy idea to review operations every five to ten years," said Flatto at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, adding that Fairfield does operational audits every year on the town side.
Deputy Superintendent John Boyle said Tuesday that the school system already does "a full financial audit" every year. Kostin Ruffkess &Co., LLC which has offices in Farmington, New London and Springfield, Massachusetts are the accounting firm.
"We have a huge number of checks and balances," Boyle added.
An operational audit, as compared to a financial audit, looks not only at the money coming in and out, but looks to see if things can be done in a more efficient, effective way, Flatto said.
The First Selectman noted that the town employs an internal auditor, who does surprise audits and operational reviews of all town departments every year. The golf operations, the tax collector, and virtually everyone else is audited, he said.
"She (the auditor) makes recommendations to improve and strengthen the system. I require department heads to accept those recommendations. If they don't like them, they have to appeal to her and to the town," said Flatto.
"The Board of Finance hears if there are any problems. Thankfully, we've not had significant operational problems. There have been some small things," Flatto said.
The First Selectman noted that he has no power to force the Board of Education to do an operational audit, but thinks that perhaps Board of Finance would be the proper board to talk with the Board of Education and discuss the areas where such an audit might be useful.
"My hope is that the boards will work together to review those things worth reviewing," he said.
"I think it would be wasteful to have an overall audit," the First Selectman added.
As an example, he pointed out that the number of teachers hired is pretty cut and dry and they're paid according to a negotiated contract.
"We do get reports on staffing and personnel costs," Flatto added.
Likewise, he said the Board of Finance approves the transportation contract after it is negotiated, so they are already familiar with that. A further inspection might be a waste of time.
On the other hand, reviewing maintenance and repairs, or the use of stimulus money might be useful, Flatto said.
"My question is to ask the boards to come up with a list of things that we should look at ... so, I think a focused audit is fine," said Flatto, adding that a complete operational audit might be a waste of the taxpayers' money.
The First Selectman added that he would be happy to recommend the services of the town's auditor to the town school offices.