Observing innovations like this makes our work in public school finance all the more rewarding. I'm excited about our initiatives to improve financial management in Ohio schools. These activities are helping to assure a more efficient and effective education for Ohio's 1.8 million children. We're observing our performance audits of Ohio's 21 urban school districts are having a tremendous impact on operations. One need only look at the fiscal turnaround in Cleveland schools, much of which was based on our performance audit recommendations.
Many more examples abound.
Other times, districts may need a new perspective on financial data, which is offered through our benchmarking series of reports. The treasurer at Great Oaks Joint Vocational School District in Cincinnati recently commented the benchmarking series helped confirm his investment strategy, as it noted the district's ratio on interest earnings was among the highest among other JVS districts. Even the most accurate financial data is of little use without the proper guidance, and that is why we have placed an intense focus on training. We are now helping operators of Ohio's rapidly growing charter schools learn their fiscal responsibilities. Finally, districts with severe financial problems may need assistance from Ohio's fiscal watch or emergency laws.