The Worth County School generated a $345,000 surplus last year, much higher than expected. The surplus had been expected to be around $150,000. Instructional expenses were down $135,000 while expenses were down $65,000 overall. The school benefited from the Smaller Schools Act; the school now qualifies for those funds, which are designed to help smaller schools compete with larger schools and offer equal opportunities. That led to a sharp increase in state revenue. There has been a sharp downturn in federal revenue since funds from the stimulus have dried out. However, the school has cut expenses by $500,000 over the last five years.
The figures were provided by Diane Klostermann, whose firm audits the school every year. The school now has $1,078,917 in reserves, which means that the school has three months of reserves to cover expenses should no money come in. Assessed valuations have held up well over the last few years, which has resulted in local funds holding up.
There were several recommendations made to improve school finances. There were some errors in the state transportation application. Safeguarding procedures were recommended to protect the school finances. The audit recommended updating policies and procedures related to receipts. It also recommended updating expense reimbursement procedure as well as the policy regarding the use of the school credit card. It recommended deducting funds from paychecks in the event of unauthorized charges. It found that the school was being charged taxes for long distance and cell phone use even though schools are exempt from having to pay sales taxes. It recommended improved methods of tracking and reporting food costs.
Kolstermann said that the school had a lot more reserves than a lot of schools their size.
Kindergarten teacher Mary Chapman reported that there were nine boys and two girls in her kindergarten class. There are 17 boys and five girls in both classes. She said that they were reading in groups, and that there was a high range of abilities among class members. She said that the challenge was to avoid holding back advanced students while still helping out the students who needed it. She said that the recent professional development day regarding the Common Core standards went well and that it challenged her to a better understanding of them.
Band teacher Emily Cloughly reported on the band's performance this year. They finished third at Clarinda in one of the competitions, barely missing out on second. They were working on improving their halftime show and starting to get ready for the Christmas Program. She said that in enhancement, she was pushing her students to do a lot of writing. She reported that she and April Healy had 35 students for Junior High PE this year. .
6th Grade teacher Amy Jackson reported that they were studying Egypt as well as getting ready for Halloween.
Principal Jon Adwell reported that 25% of the student body had a D or an F, down from 29% at this point last year and 34% two years ago. Parent-teacher conferences will be October 24th from 1-7, with athletic practices ending at 2:30 that day so that coaches can meet with parents. He reported that they sent kids on a field trip to Duckworth Farm despite the recent government shutdown. He also reported that the school was getting ready for programs on seat belt usage as well as reading.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz reported that the school would be competing for the Malcom Baldridge Award, a national award for schools. As part of the process, they will run their test scores through and get feedback at no charge to the school district. He said that he and other staff will be going to a meeting in December. The winner will receive $1 million for the school. Even if the school doesn't win, Martz said that it would help the school develop a cohesive vision for the future.
Martz reported that he had an asset service come in and tag and inventory school property at both the softball field and at the main school building.
Martz reported that everything went well for the Homecoming celebration. He said that he had people come up to him who had reservations about the changes and gave some positive comments and feedback.
The board approved policies related to financial management of the school which incorporates recommendations made by the recent audit.
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