By Mari Radtke
School Business Officer Aaron Giese provided the South O’Brien Board of Education with highlights of the audit report for the 2022 fiscal year. South O’Brien did not qualify as a “low risk auditee” which means 40% of its federal funds were tested by the auditor instead of 20%. According to the audit report, there were no reportable findings.
The general fund balance grew. That is attributed to the unspent federal funding, mostly in the nutrition fund. Uses for those dollars remain extremely limited. Free breakfasts are helping spend those funds down. Revenues were up for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 from both property tax and from federal programs. Expenses decreased just over $500,000.00. The decrease can be found primarily in the instruction function part of the budget.
Giese also reported that once the bond funds come in a new line item will be created to account for those funds.
Certified enrollment is up 17.45 students but due to open enrollment out the net certified enrollment for South O’Brien for the 2024 school year is a net loss of 7.5 students.
Superintendent Wade Riley reminded the board of the purpose for the question on the ballot on November 7. The school is asking patrons to extend a sales tax until 2050. These funds go into the SAVE program and can be used for facilities and maintenance. Extending the tax will have no impact on property taxes. He also reported that the insurance adjustor found approximately $90,000 in damage to the air conditioner roof units at the high school following the freak September hail storm.
The board approved the second readings of anti bullying policy 104 and 104-R(1), and the policy for students making threats, 503.08. This policy is recommended for adoption by Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) for all Iowa districts.
A request for allowable growth and supplemental aid for the special education fund deficit was granted authority. The district will request $123,509.70.
Roger Brinkert won unanimous appointment to Northwest Area Education Association (AEA).