By Jean Ruzicka
jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
The Nevis School Board learned the district is in “good financial shape” this week, reviewing the annual audit via a “net meeting,” a live presentation with the Grand Forks-based Brady Martz CPA firm via the Internet.
The “financial highlights” for the past fiscal year are the district’s “net position” increased by $607,989, superintendent Gregg Parks crediting former superintendent Steve Rassier for prudent spending.
Total revenues from all sources were $7,133,148; expenses totaled $6,525,159, resulting in a 15.1 percent net increase from the prior year.
The increase can be attributed to the Legislature increasing per pupil funding and increased enrollment, Parks said, which is now at 588 students.
“The best news is receiving a clean bill of health,” Parks said. “We are managing the fiscal part of the education process well.”
In other action, the board:
n Approved an additional nine-month custodial position to conform to “Level 2 – ordinary tidiness” standards. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends one custodian per 25,000 square feet; the main building is 101,000 square feet.
The school currently has two 12-month custodial positions, one nine-month person and a temporary, six-hour per day position.
“That’s not enough,” Parks told the board.
n Approved Bemidji State University student Cassy Smith as a student mentee, kindergarten teacher Jenny Travis the teacher mentor.
n Approved Marie Meyer as an educational assistant.
n Approved Jenny Travis as junior high girls basketball coach and Brian DeWitt as boys junior high basketball coach.
Reminded the Truth-in-Taxation hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, preceding the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
