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Kenowa Hills board accepts unmodified FY25 audit, approves school-of-choice resolutions and staff changes
Summary
The Kenowa Hills Board accepted an unmodified FY2025 audit that noted two material weaknesses, approved resolutions to opt out of the State Schools of Choice Section 105 program while participating in Kent ISD and State 105C programs for 2026-27, and approved personnel changes; all motions passed unanimously 6-0.
The Kenowa Hills Board of Education accepted the district’s FY2025 audit and approved several school-of-choice resolutions and personnel actions at its Feb. 23 regular meeting at Alpine Elementary School.
Sheri Blankenship of Maner Costerison, PC., presented the FY2025 audit and told the board the district received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, the highest audit rating. Blankenship said the audit identified two material weaknesses related to the late completion of the audit and late submission of the Financial Information Database (FID). Corrective actions were identified; Blankenship noted state funding withheld because of the late FID will be released once the FID is submitted.
Why it matters: An unmodified opinion indicates the district’s financial statements are materially correct; material weaknesses signal internal control issues the district must address to prevent future delays and funding holds.
The board voted 6-0 to approve the audit report (motion by Member Hart, supported by Member Turner). Present and voting yes were Members Courtade, Gustinis, Hart, LaBotz, Roberts and Turner.
On enrollment and open-enrollment policy, Superintendent Hopkins recommended the district opt out of the State Schools of Choice Section 105 program for 2026-27 and instead participate in the Kent ISD Collaborative Schools of Choice program and the State 105C program. Hopkins also recommended opening 140 Kent County School of Choice slots for grades K–11 and providing openings for 105C applicants. The board approved the three related resolutions by unanimous vote (motions originating with Member Hart and receiving support as recorded).
The motions recorded were: - Approve resolution to opt out of the State Schools of Choice Section 105 program for 2026-27 (Report #26-023). Motion carries 6-0. - Approve resolution to participate in the Kent ISD Collaborative Schools of Choice Program for 2026-27 (Report #26-024). Motion carries 6-0. - Approve resolution to participate in the State 105C Schools of Choice Program for 2026-27 (Report #26-025). Motion carries 6-0.
The board also approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions. Member Hart moved and Member Turner supported approval of the consent agenda; the motion carried 6-0. Personnel items in the consent package included a title change for William (Bill) Baxter to Network Administrator (effective Feb. 24, 2026) with a $10,000 salary increase (adjusted annual salary $78,868) and an FTE increase for Cathy Capy to 1.0 (adding 32 workdays) with a $12,480 salary increase (adjusted annual salary $62,790); additional worked days will be compensated at $390 per day.
What’s next: The audit corrective-action steps and completion of the FID submission are outstanding items staff must complete so withheld state funding can be released. The recommended John Deere Gator and equipment purchase for grounds maintenance was presented as an upcoming action item and will return to the board for formal approval at a future meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
