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Appoquinimink board outlines steps to implement audit recommendations and previews FY26 amended budget
Summary
Superintendent Matt Burrows and finance staff reviewed audit recommendations to strengthen internal controls and transparency and presented an FY26 amended preliminary budget for board review, citing a projected discretionary operating carryover of $4.8 million and plans to adopt 0‑based budgeting.
Appoquinimink School District officials told the board on Nov. 18 that they are implementing recommendations from recent audits to tighten financial controls and improve public reporting as they prepare the fiscal year 2026 amended preliminary budget for later approval. Superintendent Matt Burrows said the district is down to about 25 full‑time teacher vacancies and currently enrolls about 13,097 students, making Appoquinimink the state's second‑largest district.
"Recommendation 1 is that the district should establish better internal controls within the finance office," the director of finance said, summarizing steps already taken to require expenditures to be approved by the director of finance and to document CFO oversight, with weekly superintendent–finance director meetings to review requests. Officials said training for school secretaries who handle financial and payroll tasks has begun and will continue until processes are standardized.
Consultant Chuck Longfellow, who presented the budget worksheet, said the district has separated discretionary state and local funds from nondiscretionary, tuition, federal, capital and cafeteria funds so the board can clearly see operating carryover and fund flows. Longfellow noted a projected discretionary operating fund carryover of $4,800,000 under the current assumptions and said the administration plans to move toward a 0‑based budget model for FY27.
"We have peeled away discretionary state and local funds from nondiscretionary funds," Longfellow said, describing the updated reporting tabs and a cleaner operating‑only view the board requested. He also described work to vet and implement a budget system called Aliview subject to IT and state approvals.
Board members pressed staff for an operating‑only comparison to prior years to avoid capital projects distorting year‑to‑year analysis. Members also discussed revenue timing: several tax receipts have been delayed in escrow, and staff said the state has offered an interest‑free loan to cover near‑term obligations if mortgage companies do not release funds promptly.
The board treated the FY26 document as a report for review rather than a final action item; the administration said it would return with additional detail and a final proposal at a later meeting. Officials also said agendas, meeting minutes and FAC materials will be posted on BoardDocs and the district website to improve transparency.
