General fund balance decreases less than expected
The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting November 25 at Powdersville High School.
The meeting included recognition of the Powdersville High School Band, yearly audit presentation, discussion on the penny sales tax and presentation of the 2015-16 calendar.
At the start of the meeting, the oath of office was taken by each newly elected board member and the Board recognized the Powdersville High School Marching Band for their 2A State Championship.
Superintendent David Havird recognized the staff and students from Powdersville High School Marching Band, commended the students, Director Lesley Phillips; Assistant Director Trey Farrow; Drum Major Anna Hood and parents for their commitment to excellence and the second state championship in three years.
Vice Chair Nancy Upton read a commodation letter given to each participant. Anderson County Council District Six representative Ken Waters presented the band with a resolution from the Anderson County Council.
Superintendent Havird presented the financial report. He said investments amount to $4,065,000 with $87,422.50 in interest.
Finance Director Travis Thomas reviewed the revenue reports and said tax revenues are expected to begin steadily coming in December and January.
Thomas said the district will be moving all employees to direct deposit by April 2015.
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Jane Harrison updated the board on the A1 Digital Innovation Initiative that won honorable mention at the recent Ed Tech Conference. She gave examples of a number of initiatives going on at district schools. Harrison told the board that the district Comprehensive Health Team recommended a new program to be used in 6th – 8th grade. The board approved the recommendation of Harrison to move forward with the new Comprehensive Health Curriculum process.
Harrison told the board the new state test would be ACT/Aspire for grades 3-8 and ACT for grade 11. She stated the new tests will be timed which is a big change from the old state test. Work Keys will also be given in the 11th grade.
Assistant Superintendent of Adminstration Robbie Binnicker provided the Student Nutritional Services report. He reported the district completed the Federal verification process for free and reduced lunch applications. According to Binnicker, 44% of the student population for Anderson One receives free or reduced meal benefits.
The board approved second and final reading on the following policies: GBED – Tobacco Free Schools/Staff; GBEB – Staff Conduct; JICG – Tobacco Use by Students: JCDAD – Bus Conduct and ADC – Tobacco Free Schools Changes to each policy were made to include electronic cigarettes.
Auditors Kevin Tomas and Ken Meadows of the Accounting firm of Greene, Finney and Horton, CPA presented the audit report. Highlights of the report include an unmodified opinion (the best an organization can receive).
According to the auditors, the general fund balance in 2013-14 decreased $391,000, less than a planned decrease of $549,000. The district has an unassigned fund balance of $8.9 million which is 15.4% of 2014 actual expenditures. The GFOA recommends a minimum of 16.7% (two months expenses). General fund revenues were $55.6 million for 2014. General fund expenditures were $57.9 million for 2014. No material weaknesses were noted. In summary the audit found the district in good financial condition and commended the district on weathering the recent economic downturn very well.
Superintendent Havird discussed briefly the passage of the Local Option Sales Tax Resolution. He said he expects the penny tax to begin in March and plans to present a two-year budget for use of the funds for planned capital improvements. Board members commended the district on their efforts to pass this resolution.
Havird also presented the proposed school calendar for 2015-16 which he said has been created by the county-wide calendar committee. The committee is composed of representatives from all five Anderson County School Districts. The board reviewed the recommended 2015-16 calendar and will formally vote to approve the calendar at their January meeting.
The following personnel recommendations were approved:
Retirement – Lynne Holcombe, Wren Elementary School, Media Specialist. Holcombe will be retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
Request for Leave – Merebeth Adams, Wren Middle School, Resource Teacher.
