Auditor gives Allegany County schools an unmodified opinion; district posts general fund surplus

An independent audit presented at the Jan. 14 Allegheny County Board of Education meeting found the district—s fiscal 2024 financial statements "present fairly in all material respects," an unmodified opinion auditors said is the preferred result.

Ed Huber of Huber Michaels and Associates told the board the audit opinion indicates the financial statements do not contain material exceptions. "In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Board of Education of Allegheny County," Huber said.

Huber reviewed key fund balances and year-end changes. The general fund had a total fund balance of $27,000,000, of which $17,000,000 was assigned for capital projects and $3,000,000 assigned for health care, leaving about $7,000,000 unassigned and available for general operations. The audit reported a $1,400,000 net surplus for the general fund for the year. Food service finished the year with a $115,000 deficit, student activities ended with a $36,000 surplus, and school construction showed a $1,200,000 deficit that was absorbed by prior-year assigned funds.

Huber and staff explained several budget-to-actual variances. A $1,200,000 negative variance in state direct revenues reflected timing and classification: some budgeted revenues were recognized in restricted grant funds rather than through the general fund. Corresponding savings in instruction salaries (a $1,200,000 positive variance) occurred because those costs were paid from restricted funds. Other positive variances included "instruction other" (+$900,000) and fixed charges (+$1,400,000), attributed in part to payroll-related savings and the timing of restricted revenue recognition.

Board members thanked auditors and district staff for completing the audit in time for the January meeting. No formal action was taken beyond the presentation; the audit report will be part of the district—s public records.