Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Meeting Highlights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
MSD Lawrence Township board approves routine fund transfer, honors retiring leaders and hears facilities update
Summary
At a recent MSD Lawrence Township Board of Education meeting, the board approved its twice-yearly transfer of funds between education and operations accounts, recognized longtime board member Wendy Mustin and outgoing chief of operations Roger Smith, and received updates on construction and district finances.
The MSD Lawrence Township Board of Education approved a routine, twice-yearly resolution to transfer funds between its education and operations accounts and heard updates on construction projects and finances, while also recognizing retiring leaders.
During an information item, the district's finance representative, Miles, explained that the transfer aligns revenue and expenses between the two state-mandated funds and that the exact transfer amount will be determined Dec. 31 and posted at the board's full meeting in January. Miles reported November month-end figures and said the general fund stood at a little over $19,000,000; he noted transportation revenue may dip seasonally pending a state tax deposit.
"This just allows us to have the revenue and the expenses in the same area, at the end of the year," Miles said, explaining the accounting purpose of the transfer. The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the resolution; the chair called for the question and members answered "Aye," after which the president stated the funds had been transferred.
The board received a facilities update from a district representative identified in the meeting as Mr. Smith on the Blue Ribbon facilities plan. Smith described progress at multiple sites, including auditorium seating installations, interior mechanical/electrical/plumbing work, front-entrance excavation planned for next spring, and ongoing site and field work as weather permits.
Board members and district leaders presented awards and recognitions. The superintendent's award and a video tribute honored Wendy Mustin for 12 years of elected service to the district, citing her advocacy for music and arts education and her role during the district referendum. The personnel report introduced Roger Smith, the district's chief of operations, as retiring effective July 1, 2025, and announced that Dr. Nesbitt will succeed him as chief of operations; the report noted Roger Smith's 42 years in public education and Dr. Nesbitt's 25 years in Lawrence Township.
Other routine business included committee reports: the foundation's scholarship application deadlines and an announcement that the policy committee will bring 13 policies forward for revision, including two new policies on appropriate use of artificial intelligence with a first reading tentatively scheduled for Jan. 27 and a second reading Feb. 10. The board also approved the remainder of the consent agenda by voice vote after removing the personnel item for separate recognition.
The meeting concluded after brief mentions of upcoming student events, including a VEX robotics competition in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and closing holiday remarks. The board indicated it will meet next in January for reorganization and a work session.
