Does APS spend its money effectively and efficiently?
Yes, without a doubt; and we have proof of our accountability. The state auditor praised Akron Public Schools for its fiscal accountability and for maintaining one of the lowest cost-per-pupil ratios of Ohio¹s urban districts. Akron spends more of its budget directly in the classroom and less on administration than any other urban district in the state (see chart; to view the chart, download the free Acrobat reader). In its 2001 Contract with the Community, the district pledged to keep spending increases to 3% or less and maintain a balanced budget. To monitor that spending, we appointed a Fiscal Accountability Committee. The committee, comprised of citizens and professionals with financial backgrounds, monitored our spending for three years and issued independent reports which concluded that the district kept its promise.
