San Marcos Unified board approves annual audit, adopts stricter phone policy, authorizes 4-acre property purchase
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Summary
At its Jan. 16 meeting the San Marcos Unified School District board accepted the 2023–24 financial audit, adopted revised mobile device policy to restrict student phone use during instruction, and approved a resolution delegating authority to buy a four-acre parcel off Discovery Street for potential future district use.
The Governing Board of the San Marcos Unified School District accepted the district'9s 2023'024 annual financial audit, adopted revisions to the district'9s mobile communication device policy, and approved a resolution to purchase a four-acre parcel off Discovery Street at a reported purchase price of $12.5 million.
The audit, completed by Christy White, was filed on time and delivered an unmodified (clean) opinion on the district'9s financial statements. The auditors reported a significant deficiency in internal controls over Associated Student Body (ASB) cash receipts and two state-compliance findings related to ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) registration signatures and before/after-school ACES attendance-release forms. The board voted to accept the audit and the district presented corrective actions including ASB training and quarterly site reviews.
The board voted to adopt revised Board Policy (BP) 5131.8 and new Administrative Regulation (AR) 5131.8 on mobile communication devices, implementing a phone-free environment during instructional time at the high-school level and stricter rules at elementary and middle schools. The policy update was made in response to AB 3216 (the Phone-Free Schools Act) and after community input; speakers during public comment included teachers and parents both urging changes. Public commenters requested a teacher-led exception for instructional use in some classrooms.
Separately, the board adopted Resolution No. 31-2425 delegating authority to the superintendent or designee to finalize a purchase and sale agreement to acquire 4 acres currently owned by North City Residential LLC, described in staff materials as a centrally located future school site within the North City specific plan. The staff presentation listed a negotiated purchase price of $12,500,000 based on an appraisal.
Votes at a glance - Review and acceptance of the 2023'024 annual audit: motion moved by Member Martin, second by Member Bridal; motion carried. Auditors highlighted a clean financial opinion and required corrective actions on ASB controls and two state compliance items. - Adoption of BP 5131.8 / AR 5131.8 (mobile communication devices): motion moved by Member Miam, second by Member Martine; motion carried. The policy implements instruction-time restrictions and directs continued community outreach and an implementation update in spring. - Adoption of Resolution No. 31-2425 (purchase of 4-acre North City property): motion moved by Member Meehan, second by Member Martin; motion carried. Board delegated authority to complete the purchase.
What the audit found and next steps Christy White delivered the annual audit and issued a clean opinion on the district'9s financial statements. Auditors identified a significant deficiency in ASB internal controls after testing cash receipts at San Marcos Middle School; the firm recommended strengthened recordkeeping and site monitoring. Two state-compliance findings related to ELOP registration signatures and ACES early-release / late-arrival forms were also cited; the district described specific corrective actions and liaison reviews to address the issues.
Implementation and oversight District staff told the board they will implement the ASB training, provide FCMAT manuals to staff involved with ASB activities, conduct quarterly site visits and report back to the board. On the phone policy, staff will prioritize community outreach and return with a spring implementation update. On the property purchase, board authorization delegates final execution to the superintendent or designee and allows staff to complete required closing actions.
Board members said they expect community feedback during the rollout of the phone policy and emphasized monitoring for unintended consequences. Several board members praised the finance and business teams for timely audit preparation and for negotiating the property price.
Ending The board approved the items during its Jan. 16 regular meeting and will receive implementation updates and corrective-action follow-ups in coming months.