Board receives clean FY25 audits for district and Macon Pius special education; federal single-audit still pending

Auditor Heather Powell of Mazars presented highlights of the Macon Pius Special Education FY25 audit and the Decatur Public Schools District 61 FY25 audit at the board meeting on Nov. 11. Both audits received unmodified (clean) opinions on the district’s modified-cash-basis financial statements, and the board approved each audit by roll-call vote 7–0.

Powell summarized key points: the district’s legal debt margin as of June 30, 2025 was approximately $66 million; the district reported a positive change in net position of about $24 million for the year; and certain funds had expenses over budget without creating negative fund balances. She noted a new accounting standard will affect the management discussion and analysis next year but did not materially impact this year’s modified-cash-basis presentation.

Powell also explained the federal single–audit (required when federal funds are significant) remains delayed nationwide because federal testing requirements from the Office of Management and Budget were not available; Mazars will finalize and file the federal audit as soon as guidance is published and deadlines are adjusted.

On debt and cash-flow questions, Powell said the published debt-service schedule shows roughly $9 million per year in principal and interest through 2045 and confirmed an estimated legal debt margin near $66 million. Board members asked about refinancing or paying bonds early; Powell said refinancing is a management/financial-advisor decision beyond the external audit’s scope.

The board approved the Macon Pius FY25 audit and the district FY25 audit separately, each by a 7–0 roll-call vote.

What happens next: Mazars will file required reports with the Illinois State Board of Education and will issue the federal single-audit when OMB testing requirements are available.