The Salem Elementary School Board of Education heard the district’s audit report at its regular meeting on Thursday, which showed the district remains in review status with a financial Profile Score of 3.35 out of a possible 4. That is down from 3.45 last year. According to CPA Beth Pennington of Leymone Hardcastle and Co., the audit shows the district’s days of cash on hand is down from 235 last year to 161 this year as the district’s cash reserves have gone down to 7.5 million dollars after running a deficit. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe said the deficit was largely due to large increases in expenses such as salaries and insurance. Pennington said the audit had no unusual findings.
The board approved application for an FY26 school maintenance grant. This grant would support work on the roof at Hawthorn school. The matching grant through the state of Illinois can provide up to $50,000.
The board approved the employment of Ron Russel as full-time cafeteria employee.
This year’s graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 15, pending no snow days.
