WESTFIELD - Certified Public Accountant Michael Corey presented an audit report that had "no serious fault" to the Westfield Board of Education at its recent meeting.
He said, "The books are in good shape."
Corey complimented Alan Holbrook, business manager and district clerk, for the job he does.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Certified Public Accountant Michael Corey presents his independent audit report to the Westfield Board of Education. Board of education members listening to the report are left to right: Edward LeBarron, Phyllis Hagen, Joy Bodenmiller, and Marie Edwards.
Corey noted that the assets for the district are on a downward slope. He gave several reasons: capital (buildings for example) depreciation over time; state aid is down; and the district has used assets to pay off its debts.
While there were no serious faults, there is room for improvement.
Corey said, "A physical inventory should be done more often."
He also noted that the school lunch program was running a small deficit.
Board President Jeffrey Graebell said, "I appreciate the report was positive."
The board adopted a resolution to accept the 2011-2012 audit as prepared.
During the public comment section of the meeting, former board member Mark Winslow said, "I am disappointed the internal audit wasn't done on time. I said it for a number of years while I was on the board and I will say it again."
After the meeting Winslow noted that many school districts do not get their audits done on time and that it has no consequence on awarding of state aid. He still felt it should be done by Oct. 15, the date specified by the New York State Education Department.
During his report, Superintendent David Davision thanked board member Steve Cockram and Mark Winslow for their work reviewing the policy manual and hoped that manual will be available for the next board meeting.
He also said that information about the consolidation study is available on the website. "We want to make it as user friendly as possible," he said.
In addition, Westfield and Brocton are working together to see that sites are presenting consistent information. Davison urged anyone who had questions about the consolidation study to contact him through the website or at the district office.
The board acting on several personnel items:
The resignation of Norman Glowniak, custodian, was accepted with regret effective Oct. 22.
Shandra DuClon, elementary principal, was recognized as certified lead evaluator for the purpose of conducting evaluations per the district's Annual Professional Performance Review Plan.
Greg Birner was approved as a volunteer for boys' intramural basketball coach for 2012-2013.
Jacob Hitchcock was moved from a .75 full time equivalent position to a 1.0 FTE position effective Nov. 14. Hitchcock will continue his teaching duties in the health area, continue to serve as Athletic Director and Director of Physical Education, and pick up additional duties as Dean of Students.
After the board went into executive session, the board approved that Amy Webb, who was originally a Speech-Language Pathologist, be hired for a position in the elementary tenure area.
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