By Austin Williams
The Centralia City School Board heard the annual audit report for the district at their meeting on Tuesday. The audit overall shows the district in a healthy financial state, receiving a financial profile rating of 3.9 (out of 4), up from 3.7 last year. While both revenues and expenditures increased, there were significantly more revenues than expenses for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The district was found to be in compliance with all restrictions on spending of grant money and no issues were found with its recordkeeping. Superintendent Craig Clark was pleased with the results of the audit.
“To see that our fund balances are increasing, and…that the work we’ve done in the past is paying off now, that’s always great to see. Also, that there’s no findings is always a comfort. We have people that work really hard in this office when it comes to bookkeeping, payroll, and everything financial that don’t get the recognition that deserve. We’re very appreciative to all those in the office who helped with the finances.”
The board also voted to enter a fixed-rate natural gas contract for 48 months, changing from its previous variable plan. This decision was made in response to the threat of rising and spiking natural gas prices. By switching to a fixed-rate plan, the district ensures that it won’t be directly hurt by shifts in the natural gas market. Clark elaborated on the reasoning:
“Last year we had that issue during the winter where we had a huge increase in one month due to demand that happened with the ice storm. Because of that variable rate, we got hammered pretty hard. I think it’s a natural reaction to take a look at how we can prevent that from happening, but to be able to lower our rate over the next forty-eight months and be assured that that’s what we’re going to be at, it’s easier to plan and I expect that it’s going to save us some money.”
In addition, the board approved a handbook for the planned after-school program, bringing the district one step closer to beginning a program that will provide students twice a week with additional time to study and receive assistance from teachers, as well as snacks and transportation. Clark believes that the program will be ready to launch within the next few weeks.
“Right now, we’re working on organizing transportation and food. I’m hoping within the next two or three weeks that we have that started. We have some kids that are needing that extra help, so this will be a benefit to them, and it’ll be good for their parents…it’ll be Tuesdays and Thursdays, and it will hopefully be manned mainly with teachers and maybe some paraprofessionals. Kids will be getting that much-needed help that can help them in their classes.”
The next board meeting will be held on November 9, 2021.
In personal action:
- New Hires: April Snow, Homebound Instructor. Chris Meyer, Classroom Paraprofessional. Allee Clifton, Schiller Individual Paraprofessional.
- Intent to retire: Stephanie Sacthleben
- Resignations: Kristen Rolie, early childhood teacher. Barbara Weidner, bus monitor. April Snow, girls’ cross-country coach.
