Board reviews finances, approves $175,000 food-service budget increase and $247,639.95 PTO gift for playground

The Marlington Local School District board on Nov. 13 approved routine financial and donation items after the treasurer summarized the October financial position and requested targeted budget revisions.

The treasurer reported the district ended October with $10,800,316.53 in cash; the general fund balance was $9,010,444.74, the permanent improvement fund had $237,548.02 and the Capital Projects Fund showed $707,791 in cash but only about $83.21 remaining after encumbrances. The treasurer said the district has four remaining payments on a building-improvement bond, about $350,000 each, twice a year.

To avoid year-end shortfalls in food service (the fund had a cash deficit of approximately $101,000), the treasurer asked the board to approve a $175,000 budget increase to provide 'headroom' that would allow food-service staff to issue purchase orders as revenue comes in. The board also approved a $55,000 increase in purchase services (counseling, legal services, special education) and permanent improvement increases totaling $75,000 for a maintenance-van replacement and a snow-removal machine; part of the latter may be matched by a BWC grant, per staff.

Trustees accepted a donation of $247,639.95 from the Marlborough Elementary PTO for Marlboro playground improvements; the packet listed community donors and smaller additional gifts for student assistance and the care closet.

All motions were approved by roll call. The board also approved minutes from the Oct. 8 work session and Oct. 9 regular meeting as part of the treasurer's agenda.

Next steps: Staff will implement approved budget revisions and proceed with procurement according to the updated bidding requirements the superintendent outlined.