Some school funding critics like to claim that districts are choosing to operate inefficiently when they opt not to implement all of the savings recommended by the Legislative Post Audit Committee. This story provides an example of choices a district makes that are not frivolous and should not be equated with choosing to operate inefficiently.

“The audit also recommends Auburn-Washburn expand its use of procurement cards — credit cards issued by the district to employees to cover supply and travel costs. Since the cards come with a 1 percent cash-back rate, using them for more purchases could generate savings, the auditors argue.

“But Dietrich, recalling months of negative media coverage in 2003 over the city of Topeka’s use of procurement cards, said her district has ‘some general misgivings and apprehensions’ about the auditors’ recommendation…

“There was one recommendation from the auditors with which Dietrich entirely disagreed. Auditors suggested the district replace four nurses with health aides, saving Auburn-Washburn $68,000 annually and saving KPERS, the state’s retirement fund, $9,000.

“’Many of our parents have health care backgrounds. They appreciate having a licensed nurse in our buildings,’ Dietrich said. ‘We would have no support for replacing a significant number of our school nurses with health aides.’…

“Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, told Dietrich the auditors’ request for minor changes, such as the issuance of more procurement cards, was evidence that Auburn-Washburn ‘is being run very, very efficiently.’”

Read more here: http://cjonline.com/news/2015-07-29/legislative-audit-auburn-washburn-school-district-recommends-minor-cost-saving