Safford Unified School District

In fiscal year 2013, Safford USD’s student achievement was similar to peer districts’, and the District operated efficiently overall with costs that were lower than or similar to peer district averages. Safford USD’s administrative cost per pupil was similar to the peer districts’ average, but the District needs to strengthen controls over its computer systems and network. The District’s plant operations costs were much lower than peer districts’, primarily because the District employed fewer plant staff, used energy- and water-saving practices, and made efficient use of building space. In addition, the District’s food service program was self-sufficient, operating with a cost per meal that was similar to the peer district average, and its transportation program was reasonably efficient, with routes filling buses to 76 percent of capacity and drivers performing other duties, such as maintenance, when not driving.