Parker Unified School District

In fiscal year 2017, Parker Unified School District’s (District) student achievement was slightly higher than districts’ in its peer group, and its operational efficiencies in noninstructional areas were mixed. Specifically, the District spent less than its peer districts on administration and operated an efficient food service program. However, the District spent more on its plant operations and its transportation program and lacked some internal controls in these noninstructional areas. We identified about $1.1 million in potential annual operational cost savings in noninstructional areas, or about $600 per pupil—savings that could be spent on instruction. Lastly, the District should strengthen some of its accounting, computer, and building access controls.