Andrew Coleman of Greenfinney Cawley presented the district's annual financial audit, explaining what an audit covers and what it does not. Coleman said, "The good news is we did issue an unmodified opinion," the highest standard an auditor can issue for the financial statements.

Coleman summarized key figures: the general fund essentially broke even with a slight increase of about $37,000; the district's total fund balance was reported at roughly $53.6 million with an unassigned fund balance of about $52.5 million, or about 23 percent of actual expenditures (well above common minimum targets). He attributed recent increases in revenue to higher assessed values and state sources and said expenditures rose compared with the prior year in part because ESSER one-time federal pandemic funds were no longer available.

Coleman explained other funds and commitments, including a $1.5 million net increase in the food service fund (at about 62 percent of expenditures, which requires a state plan if above 30 percent) and construction-related commitments of roughly $44.1 million. He noted total outstanding long-term debt of about $133.9 million and expected 2026 debt service of roughly $13.9 million.

Board members asked how cash is collected at schools for pupil activity funds. Coleman said cash collection is primarily at school offices for items like field trips or elementary fundraisers and advised following established policies and procedures to mitigate risk.

What happens next: the board thanked the finance team for the clean audit; staff will continue to publish quarterly financial snapshots and increase transparency during the coming budget season.