The Worth County School showed a $275,424 surplus according to figures released during the annual audit report presented at the Worth County School Board meeting Thursday. Diane Klostermann said that the reserve ratio is 30% of annual expenditures, which is over the recommended 24%. This means that the school does not have to worry about borrowing money during the critical period from September through November, when money dries up before the new tax revenues come in. The school had more expenses; however, they also had more local revenues thanks in part to increased collections as the economy improves. Total assets are now at $1,354,341, which is one of the highest levels that the school has ever had according to secretary Kandy Sorensen.
Among other findings shown in the report, average daily attendance is down to 303 students this year, down 15 from last year. This is down 103 students from 2007, when average daily attendance was 406.
Among recommendations, transportation information reported on the Application for State Transportation Aid did not agree with detail ridership information provided by the district. Non-disabled riders were overstated by 10 and riders less than one mile were over stated by 7. Eligible non-disabled route miles were overstated by 27,528 miles. The audit recommended the district implement procedures to ensure that accurate information is reported on the application.
Another recommendation focused on hours in session for the school. An early release weather day had not been entered on the Screen 10 Calendar. That entry was corrected.
Two recommendations were made concerning budget documentation regarding anticipated revenues and expenditures.
The actual cash balance in the Debt Service bank account did not agree with the general ledger cash balance from the Debt Service Fund at year end. The audit recommended a physical cash transfer of $2,356.79 from the operating bank account to the Debt Service bank account to balance bank cash to general ledger cash and implement procedures to verify that cash balances in the Debt Service account agree with the general ledger balance on a monthly basis.
The audit noted the district does not have procedures in place to track and report food supplies costs associated with the food service program. As a result of this year's audit, the district was able to identify the food supplies costs associated with the summer food service program and a journal entry was made to reclassify the supplies costs and personnel costs from the regular food service function. The audit recommended the district implement procedures to track food service costs related to this program at the time the expenditures are incurred.
The audit recommended that the school develop a consistent policy for use of the facilities by outside community groups, including fees and fee waiver policies.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz evaluated the vocational education program as above average. Strengths listed include the fact that vocational classes are preparing students for ag, business, and FACS. The budget is only 5.5% of the district's budget, while experienced staff was listed as another strength. Concerns regarding the program include scheduling conflicts which force students to take independent study courses, a need for more variety, and a need for more parental and community data. Recommendations include establishing a district level committee with patrons, students, and staff to come up with recommendations.
Brenda Miller of the Library Board came to the board meeting and said that the library board would pledge up to $100,000 for a 20' by 40' expansion of the library. Previously, the project had been tabled in 2012 after bids came in over estimated funds. On the library's wish list based on input from patrons include a children's wing as well as an expanded genealogy wing. The public library and school library received money that was willed to them for the purpose of expanding the library. The current library was built with the possibility of expansion in mind at some future date.
Assistant Principal Chuck Borey reported that there was 94% attendance for the elementary parent teacher conferences. The fourth through sixth grades went to the Duckworth Farm for lessons about soil and water conservation. Kindergarten through third grades went to the WCCC to show off Halloween costumes. Most classes put on special programs for Veterans Day.
Borey and three teachers attended a Student Learning Objectives (SLO) workshop recently. The goal is to assess teacher impact by how they were helping students improve.
Currently, the school has received $740,873 in revenues and has spent $910,432. The figures do not include new tax revenue money that will be received in December.
Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz reported that the school had been conducting a number of committee meetings over the past two months. The Technology Committee held a meeting on October 29th; the school is seeking to add more bandwidth to its present system. The Parent and Community Engagement Committee met on October 9th and discussed whether or not there is a bullying issue at Worth County. Two FCCLA members are doing a project on this topic and will give a report to this committee. The Facilities Committee will have a presentation from Chris Salzman of ConEdison Solutions about energy needs for the school.
Dr. Martz also reported that Worth County teachers attended training with teachers from North Nodaway and West Nodaway on November 10th. The focus of the training was on the development of critical thinking skills in students. The school is seeking a grant for hands-on problem-based science lessons for its students.
The board adopted changes to the financial handbook. The first is in regards to the check policy. The school will now accept out of state checks; previously, the school did not do that. Checks must have the name, address, and phone number as well as the driver's license number. If a check is returned, the school will use a check recovery service to collect on the debt and no further checks will be accepted until the balance is cleared.
In response to the annual audit, the board voted to set a fee schedule for the use of school facilities. Fees must be paid if the organization is not affiliated with the school and the organization will be charging admission or other fees, or if the use is outside of regular custodial hours. Fees may be waived by the superintendent if the activity is free and the majority of the activity is geared towards the PK-12 age group. Fees were set as follows: Classroom -- $10/room; Gym -- $10; Multipurpose -- $5; Kitchen -- $10; Cafeteria -- $10; Stage -- $5.
The board voted to declare 13 tables which were formerly cafeteria tables to be surplus property.
No comments:
Post a Comment