Board approves consent package, amends appropriations and advances prom deposit after vendor bankruptcy

At its March meeting the Big Walnut Local Board of Education approved the recommended consent business and human‑resources items, including an amended appropriation schedule and several district contracts.

Financial highlights presented before the vote showed year‑to‑date actual revenue of $36.9 million compared with an estimate of $35.4 million, driven largely by stronger property‑tax receipts and interest earnings, and year‑to‑date expenditures of $37.7 million versus an estimate of $38.5 million. The treasurer reported an ending cash balance for February of about $33.4 million and listed encumbrances (outstanding obligations) of roughly $2.34 million. The treasurer told the board the district had not yet received the county’s final property‑tax settlement for the first half of the year and that figures would be trued up when it arrives.

Votes at a glance (consent items): - Amended appropriations for fiscal 2025 (consent item 8.1) — approved by roll call; amount listed in the agenda package: $76,626,076 (amended appropriations total). - Fund‑to‑fund advance to cover prom deposit (consent item 8.2) — approved: an advance of $3,750 from the general fund (001‑0000) to the junior class account (200‑9226) so the class can secure a prom venue after the vendor cashed deposits and then filed for bankruptcy; the advance is short term and will be returned if the district recovers the deposit. - Contract for an integrated data warehouse (Aubrey Integrated Data Solution and Warehouse; consent item 8.4) — approved. - Purchase of furniture for remaining pods on the third floor of the high school via Omnia Partners / Zimmerman School Equipment (consent item 8.5) — approved; described as completing the third‑floor build‑out. - Donations and extended field trips (consent items 8.6–8.7) — approved as listed in the agenda.

Human‑resources consent (items 9.1–9.11) including retirements, resignations and a slate of hires and athletic/co‑curricular supplements were approved by consent as presented in the agenda packet.

Prom venue: District staff explained the advance is intended to secure a venue while legal counsel and the district attempt to recover a $3,750 deposit that had been paid to the vendor (the vendor cashed the deposit and then filed bankruptcy). The administration said it is reviewing contracts with new owners of the facility and working with counsel; the prom adviser and school officials are engaged and the district said it is seeking to avoid disruption to student events.

Bond program update: The treasurer reported the bond fund balance at the end of February of $288,649.75 (encumbered) and reminded the board that total project costs for the high school and elementary renovations together are roughly $112 million compared with the $108 million bond issue; the difference reflected interest earnings and project accounting.

Board members approved the consent package by roll call; no separate amendments were made on the floor.