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USD
434 Santa Fe Trail Board of Education
Board
considers audit deficiencies
Gabe Faimon | Reporter
CARBONDALE—Karen Linn, representative of Berberich, Trahan
and Co., presented a report to the USD 434 Santa Fe Trail Board
of Education Monday evening, summarizing the results of the audit
of public funds, state and federal, handled by the school district.
The report identified two deficiencies for the board’s consideration.
The first deficiency relates to separation of duties and responsibilities
of personnel involved in receipt of public funds from duties and
responsibilities of personnel involved in expenditure and disbursement
of funds. Linn noted that meeting the segregation requirements often
presents a challenge because of limited size of school districts
and the number of accounting and office personnel available to fully
segregate duties and responsibilities.
The same challenge related to the second deficiency, receipt, deposit
and expenditure of activity funds. Superintendent Steve Pegram and
the district’s business manager, Allison Covault, said that
only three positions are available for accounting duties. They outlined
efforts that have been initiated to correct the deficiencies.
Board president Randy Boudeman said he was pleased with the audit,
despite the deficiencies.
“I’ve been very happy with what I’ve seen without
studying details of the report,” Boudeman said.
Linn said that after board members had a chance to review the report
in detail, she could arrange to be present at a future meeting to
discuss and answer questions. The board formally accepted the audit
report.
In other discussion, the board received an update from Pegram and
Santa Fe Trail High School Principal Dave Swaim regarding progress
on Santa Fe Trail becoming a member of the Big 7 League.
Swaim said USD 434 is “being treated as part of the league.”
Carbondale Attendance Center Principal Michael Flax reported receipt
of a Green Schools Grant in the amount of $1,600, which will result
in placement of recycling containers throughout that school.
Due to the uncertainty of state funding, the board tabled action
regarding seven proposals that were received in response to the
district’s request for proposals. The board agreed that if
state funding becomes available, each of the seven bidders would
be contacted.
In other business, the board:
• received reports from each of the principals.
• received an update on progress of the USD 434 policy review.
• received an update regarding efforts to establish an alternative
school.
• heard from Regan Erickson regarding impact of the July 2008
reduction of Kansas Department of Transportation funding for drivers’
education programs, which was reduced from $125 to $38 per student.
Erickson outlined possible options the board may consider regarding
drivers’ education.
• noted the next USD 434 board meeting is scheduled for 6
p.m. Dec. 22 in the district administrative center. |
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