Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Best Financial Management Practices Review of the Sarasota County School District

Report 03-34, June 2003




Report Summary

The 2001 Legislature directed that OPPAGA conduct a Best Financial Management Practices Review of the Sarasota County School District. In accordance with Florida law, OPPAGA contracted with Berkshire Advisors, Inc., a private consulting firm, to conduct this review. Berkshire Advisors, Inc., under the direction of OPPAGA and Auditor General staff assessed the performance of the district in 11 managerial and operational areas. This review found that the district was using 72% (107 of 148) of the best practices. OPPAGA made the final determination on the district's use of best practices based on information in the final report and in consultation with Berkshire Advisors, Inc. The review also identified several opportunities for the district to reduce costs and increase revenues, which could have a positive fiscal impact of $4,880,170 over a five-year period. Determining whether to take advantage of these opportunities is a district decision and should be based on many factors including district needs, public input, and school board priorities. If it uses this opportunity to reduce costs, the district would be able to redirect the funds to other priorities, such as putting money into the classroom and implementing improvements identified in this report. The district could attain the Seal of Best Financial Management in two years if it implements report action plans.


Related Reports
  1. Progress Report: Sarasota County School District Making Progress, But Not Yet Eligible for the State's Seal of Best Financial Management
    Report 05-26 April 2005
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.