State Auditor Rob Sand will hand-deliver a pie to the leaders of the College Community School District (CSD) in recognition of their Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award. College CSD is the Best Performing CSD in the 4A Division.

Sand created the PIE program in 2019. It serves to encourage governmental entities to implement cost-cutting measures and spark innovative ideas to save public funds. In the last year, PIE participation increased by more than 55%. Eighty-four counties and 310 cities submitted entries in 2021, and for the first time, 121 school districts participated. The PIE program is so successful, that the Mississippi State Auditor, a Republican, launched the program in his state.

Cost-cutting measures range from shutting off the lights to reduce energy costs, to the creation of policies that reduce travel expenses.

Cities and counties were awarded points, based on the number of cost-cutting measures implemented in 2021, and in the most improved category, compared to the previous year.

“We recognize the importance of making the most of our public funds so we look for cost cutting measures where we can,” said Chief Financial Officer Angie Morrison.  “Even something that seems small can add up over the course of the year.  The more we can save by these initiatives, the more funds we have available for our students.”

State Auditor Sands will present College Community Schools with the Public Innovations and Efficiencies Award on Thursday, October 13.