School finance briefing: county staff identify roughly $4.1 million in unentered deposits, delay pre‑audit work

School staff reported a significant bookkeeping issue that has delayed the county’s pre‑audit and the annual school report. A schools representative told the Board that revenues from January–June 2025 were not booked into the RDA system, and the pre‑audit could not proceed until transactions are reconciled.

The schools’ finance team said it had identified approximately $4,100,000 in deposits from prior fiscal activity that need to be entered into the system and reconciled. The presenter said staff are preparing journal entries and will work with the pre‑auditor to re‑open the review once the deposits are posted.

School leadership also presented seven alternative budgets for FY2027 that, according to staff, preserve compensation increases for employees while arriving at or below last year’s county contribution. The options include funding for a technology refresh and capital improvements, though several speakers cautioned the board not to rely on grants in baseline budgeting.

The board approved two school‑related items during the meeting: a Vision Grant (described by staff as fully funded) and a Security Grant whose funds are already in the treasurer’s office. Board members asked for documentation and ongoing monthly reporting showing how identified funding is being earmarked and reconciled with the county treasurer.

Board direction: staff were asked to book the identified deposits into RDA, provide reconciliations and an executive summary of the LRCI and audit status to the Board. The county attorney and finance staff discussed contacting the contracted reviewer (UHY) for clarification on why revenue postings were missing and to request the auditor’s working papers.

Ending: The Board accepted the grants and moved the budget discussion forward; staff said the audit timeline is expected to be delayed and that they will provide monthly status updates as reconciliations proceed.