Clarification: Response to audit concerns in Community Free Press

August 26, 2010

7/13/10 – Community Free Press reports allegations of malfeasance without contacting SPS for response

The June 30 through July 13 edition of the Community Free Press cited several allegations by the Taxpayer Coalition to Audit Springfield Public Schools that allege wrongdoing on the part of the district.  

The contention that SPS has hired more teachers despite stable enrollment trends is absolutely correct. The community identified smaller class sizes as part of our strategic planning process, and we have complied with that wish in the four years since beginning our strategic plan. Many of the new teachers added have been hired through class size reduction grants, part of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. Though class sizes have grown slightly this year because of the latest round of budget cuts, SPS classes are much smaller than they were four years ago.

A member of the Taxpayer Coalition accuses the district of hiring undocumented workers, which the district does not. The quote in the article read:

“It’s believed there are about 12 employees with Romanian/Eastern European decent (sic). But the school didn’t want to show me their citizenship.”

SPS complies with all federal and state employment laws, including requiring employees to complete the federal I9 Employment Eligibility Verification form which documents that an individual is authorized to work in the United States. Please note that according to federal law, it is illegal to discriminate against any individual (other than an alien not authorized to work in the United States) in hiring because of the individual's national origin. SPS also complies with state law by enrolling in and using E-Verify, an online system which allows employers to electronically verify an individual's eligibility to work in the United States.

Another allegation in the article suggests that the district would dispose of all equipment and furniture from the old building. Fixtures and furniture from the old Hickory Hills school were redistributed to other SPS schools. Some of the furnishings will be included as part of the sale of the old building. Equipment that is not usable will be disposed as surplus equipment.  

District budgets and financial documents are available for free online. If you have questions or concerns about district budget or financial information, feel free to contact SPS at 523-INFO or send us an email at communications@spsmail.org. SPS also maintains a financial news and information blog called The Bottom Line as part of our efforts to keep the community informed.

Category: Corrections and Clarifications

budget audit finance