State Audit of Springfield Public Schools
Overview
Questions or comments about the audit?
Contact SPS
communications@spsmail.org
(417) 523-INFO
Contact the State Auditor's Office
moaudit@auditor.mo.gov
1-800-347-8597
This page is dedicated to providing SPS' stakeholders with current information and pertinent facts regarding the audit in an effort to keep the community informed about the process.
Answers to several frequently asked questions about the audit are listed below. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us at (417) 523-INFO or via e-mail.
The state audit of Springfield Public Schools found no misappropriation or fraudulent use of taxpayer funds and identified 14 areas of improvement for the district. Within each of the 14 findings, the auditor listed specific recommendations. These charts summarize those recommendations. Figure 1 classifies the recommendations by category to illustrate the common areas resulting in recommendations. Figure 2 illustrates the types of action SPS would need to take to address the recommendations.
Chart 1. Recommendation Categories
(Classifies the auditor's recommendations into common ctegories.)
Chart 2. Actions Required
(Illustrates the types of action SPS would need to take to address the auditor's recommendations.)
Updates
Sept. 21 - Meeting with state auditor
Sept. 13 - Springfield school board to meet with state auditor Sept. 21
Aug. 26 - An update on the audit from Dr. Ridder
March 2 - State Auditor presents audit results. Central High School auditorium, 5:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the audit begin?
The first step in the audit process is a meeting with State Auditor Susan Montee. She will
meet with the school board during a public meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, in
Meeting Room A at Kraft Administrative Center, 1359 E. St. Louis St. At that time, she
will provide an overview of the audit process and answer any questions school board
members might have. Auditors are expected to begin their fieldwork in October.
2. Why is the school district being audited?
In Missouri, audits may be initiated in two ways—at the Governor’s request or by
petition process. Last fall a group of citizens initiated a petition drive to request an audit
of Springfield Public Schools. The group obtained the required number of signatures and
submitted them to the State Auditor’s Office. As a result, a state audit of the school
district has been initiated. You may view other questions and answers about petition
auditson the State Auditor’s website. The cost of audits initiated by the Governor are paid by the state. The cost of audits initiated by petition must be paid by the organization being audited.
3. How much will the audit cost?
According to the State Auditor’s Office, the actual cost of an audit is based on two
factors—audit staff work hours and expenses. Actual costs may vary from the estimated
cost stated on the petition. According to state law, the total cost of those hours plus any
direct expenses will be billed to the entity being audited.
4. How long will the audit take?
From start to finish, the audit process could take 12 months or more. Read more about the
various steps in the audit process.
Corrections and Clarifications
As erroneous statements regarding the audit surface, the school district will provide accurate information through its Corrections and Clarifications page. If you become aware of inaccurate or incomplete information being shared via the news media or other sources, e-mail SPS or call the Community Relations Office at (417) 523-INFO so that the information can be corrected.
State Auditor's office
View the State Auditor's web site.
Read more about how the audit process will work on the State Auditor’s website.
View recently concluded audit reports.