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School finances pass
Despite rising costs and a small deficit in its general fund, Franklin Parish School Board received the highest form of approval from its auditing firm during its regular meeting Monday night.
Freddie Smith of the accounting firm Postlewaite and Netterville, rendered an "unqualified opinion," which is the highest opinion available, for the 2008 audit results.
The audit report revealed the general fund budget operating at a slight deficit of $265,000 for 2008, while the funds for the entire school system increased by $12 million. Smith stated the increase was largely due to the tax income
"Total expenditures increased from $28.2 million in 2007 to $32 million in 2008," said Smith, "due to the state mandated pay raises and the cost of construction."
The balance for general funds and all other funds, including the deficit in the general fund, is approximately $3.9 million. "That's 17% of your annual expenditures," said Smith. "You have more than adequate fund balance."
In other business, Supt. Lanny Johnson requested approval from the board to advertise bids on library furniture for Franklin Parish High School. Members unanimously approved.
Approximately $1.5 million in improvements have been completed at Franklin Parish High School, with another $1.5 million to go, estimates Johnson.
Board members were asked to consider permission to request the Office of Mineral Resources to bid oil and gas leases in conjunction with Caldwell Parish School Board.
"A company wants to lease the land located in a township that covers both Franklin and Caldwell Parishes," said Johnson, "the Office of Mineral Resources needs our permission to bid a lease."
Board members unanimously passed a resolution granting permission to the Office of Mineral Resources to bid oil and gas leases in conjunction with Caldwell Parish School Board.
The proposal for a Type II charter school in Franklin Parish has been denied by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for this year.
"I think their decision was unanimous based on the recommendation of the State Department of Education that it be denied," said Johnson. "If the school proponents want to go back and reapply, they can resubmit the proposal in October."
In the superintendent's report, Johnson informed board members of a possible $23 billion appropriation bill to go before congress in January. The money has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements and economic stimulation in 11 states.
"In 2001, Bill Clinton was president and Franklin Parish received $1.6 million of a $4 billion appropriations bill, which went toward renovating Winnsboro Elementary," said Johnson, "with a democratic congress and a democratic president, I don't see any reason for this not to pass."
Johnson said the money was not specifically for education and that the police jury and other parish employers would also be eligible for funds.
Several students were also recognized for receiving Advanced scores on iLeap tests for the 2007-2008 school year. Board President Eddie Ray Bryan presented each honoree with a plaque provided by Citizens Progressive Bank, Franklin State Bank, Progressive Bank and Winnsboro State Bank. Cash awards sponsored by Delayne Donnell. See the Community Section of The Franklin Sun next week for photos and a complete list of names. |
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