External auditors told the Muhlenberg County Board of Education at its December meeting that the district's fiscal year 2024 financial statements received an unmodified (clean) opinion.

Andrew, lead auditor, summarized the report and said the independent auditors' report contained "an unmodified opinion" and a single significant deficiency related to the timing of accounts receivable/receipt recording across fiscal years. He said the condition did not change total tax revenue but affected which fiscal year receipts were recorded in. The auditors also issued a clean opinion on major federal programs they reviewed, including Title I.

The audit presentation highlighted increases in investment balances and program net positions: school food program net position rose by about $140,000 due to higher meal reimbursements and more meals served; the daycare program's net position also increased. The auditors noted construction-related transfers and one-time ESSER funding in prior years that may not recur.

Following the audit presentation, the board voted to approve the FY24 audit as written.

District finance staff then presented a draft fiscal year 2026 budget framework. Key figures in the draft: a $1 million planned reduction in the beginning balance for FY26; local revenue projected near $17.8 million; state revenue (including SEEK) near $21 million; a total general fund revenue figure (including beginning balance) described as roughly $63 million; and major expense lines such as general fund salaries around $28.4 million and employee benefits around $4 million. The presentation emphasized conservative assumptions given the end of ESSER grant funds used in prior years.

On a motion by Mister Bowers, the board approved the FY26 draft budget framework; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Administrators said the draft will be refined in the tentative and working budgets before final adoption.