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Board accepts audit, rejects activity-center ventilation bid, approves Grow Your Own agreements and Community Ed fee increases
Summary
The school board accepted the district's unmodified 2024–25 audit, heard two internal-control findings, rejected an over-budget ventilation bid for the Packer Activity Center, authorized program/position-adjustment planning, approved Grow Your Own candidate agreements and raised Community Education fees for preschool and Kids Choice.
At its Jan. 26 meeting the South Saint Paul School Board approved multiple business items including acceptance of the district's year-end audit, a motion directing administration to prepare program and staffing adjustment recommendations, rejection of a ventilation bid, approval of Grow Your Own teacher-pathway agreements and a modest increase to Community Education fees.
Rob, the finance director, presented the annual audit and said the district received an unmodified audit opinion — the top audit outcome — while noting two internal-control weaknesses: segregation of duties in the finance office and monthly-reconciliation practices that administration is addressing. He reported the district's adjusted average daily membership (ADM) declined roughly 20% since 2016 and that each ADM is worth about $7,481; the district ended the year with a fund balance of about 15.3% to help buffer revenue fluctuations.
The board voted to accept the audit and direct the finance office to post the report publicly.
Facilities Director Mark Fenton reported the Packer Activity Center ventilation project drew a single bid that exceeded the project's budget. Administration recommended rejecting the bid to revise the scope and rebid the work; the board approved that recommendation unanimously.
The board also approved a resolution giving administration flexibility to propose adjustments in programs or positions as the budget process proceeds; presenters said the resolution does not presume reductions but enables thoughtful responses to evolving fiscal conditions.
Jennifer Danielson described an expansion of the Grow Your Own program, which supports district staff in pursuing licensure (three staff members entering special-education licensure were noted). The board approved the agreements.
Community Education leaders proposed modest fee increases for preschool (about $10–$20 per month depending on schedule) and a $1 daily increase to the Kids Choice program to respond to rising labor costs and align rates with neighboring districts; panelists emphasized available scholarships. The board approved the revised fee schedule.
All business items carried by unanimous or recorded votes; administration will follow up with required postings, communications to families, and next steps for rebidding and program implementation.
