Auditor praises district for financial practices
Nov. 17, 2009
The board of education approved Springfield Public Schools’ 17th consecutive unqualified audit, meaning that the district met all standards of accounting principles accepted in the United States of America. Fewer than 3 percent of Missouri’s 520 public school districts receive an unqualified audit on the accrual basis. The independent auditor’s report and financial statement for the 2008-2009 fiscal year was prepared by Daniel Jones and Associates, Certified Public Accountants.
Al Kirchhofer, Jr., president, Daniel Jones & Associates, called the district’s financial practices “top notch,” and said that Springfield Public Schools’ financial management is the best among all of the school districts that his firm audits. The independent auditor’s findings include:
- The district’s financial statements were materially correct in the auditor’s opinion.
- Pupil attendance, transportation and budget records for the district were found to be in compliance with Missouri statutes.
- The district was found to be in compliance with requirements for all major federal programs for which the district receives federal funding.
Springfield Public Schools selects the independent auditor via a bidding process which occurs every three years. Past audit reports and additional financial information is available here.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING RENOVATION BID BELOW ANTICIPATED COST
At the Nov. 17 combined meeting, the school board also approved a bid for the renovation of the district administration building. Springfield firm DeWitt & Associates was awarded the bid to renovate the building, located at 1359 E. St. Louis, at a cost of $1,398,615 with an estimated completion of the project in 160 days. The district originally anticipated a cost of $2,175,000 for the project. More than 12 bids were submitted, with the winning bid awarded based on cost and timeline considerations.
MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS FOR TWO CONTENT AREAS ADOPTED
Major instructional goals for grades K-5 science curriculum and business education/marketing curriculum for high school students were approved at the meeting. The development of Springfield Public Schools’ curriculum is guided by teachers, administrators, university faculty, parents and other district constituents. These stakeholders establish standards and review results. The recommendations adopted by the board meet and exceed state and national standards. The public committee will now begin the process of researching curriculum resources for these two subject areas, presenting their recommendations to the board in March 2010. The materials under consideration are available for public review at the Tefft Building, 1418 E. Pythian.
Read the full agenda and all related documents from the Nov. 17 combined board meeting.