CATAWISSA RR - Southern Columbia Area School District received some good news at the school board meeting Monday night.
Ken Wagner, with Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates PC, presented the single audit report and management letter to the district for fiscal year 2011-12, which ended June 30, 2012. The report has no finding and internal controls are in good shape, he said.
The district ended the year with a $473,659 increase to the general fund balance. The increase was due to good management and additional unexpected revenue, Wagner said.
Business Manager Mike Sokoloski attributed it to a "group and team effort" of all employees and staff.
When Vice Chairman Charlie Caputo, who was surprised with how positive the information was, said it was good news, Director Eric Stahley made a joke.
"Don't worry. We won't have it next year," Stahley said.
Directors Gail Zambor Schuerch and John Yocum made and seconded the motion to accept the report. It passed 7-0.
Superintendent Paul Caputo thanked Directors Eric Stahley and Rick Steele, who won't be back on the board next year, for their service.
"You don't get any compensation, but you have to make the same decisions and criticisms. You do this because of community service," he said. Chairman Mike Yeager also complemented Steele and Stahley for their hard work.
Steele was not at the meeting, but Caputo read an email written by Steele in which he said the district was one of the best in the state because of the time and sacrifice his fellow board members have made in his last six years.
Despite various arguments, Steele said the board has accomplished many goals, small and large.
Stahley agreed, saying the disagreements among board members after which they can walk out the door and remain friends is a testament to the quality of the board.
"If there's anything I can do, you know where you can find me," he said.
Stahley and Steele did not seek re-election.