Board presses staff for clearer Title I accounting, interest income and facility-fee review

Board members spent an extended portion of the meeting probing finance and grant items on the business and support operations list, asking staff for follow-up detail on vendor payments, Title I carryover accounting and interest earned on district cash balances.

Trustees questioned two large lines in the bill list (noted in the meeting as a combined $1.1 million payment to a vendor identified in the packet) and were told the amounts reflect a new payment schedule covering October and November and that payments to contracted providers can vary with enrollment. "It's based off of enrollment," the staff member explained when asked how Activa's billing could change midyear; staff said October 15 and end-of-year counts can affect payments and adjustments.

Several trustees pressed for clarity about Title I language used in prior communications. One board member said, "We were told that 9 out of our 11 schools are Title I schools" and asked how Title I funds are being directed. Staff clarified that while multiple schools receive Title I funding, the district is not a Title I school district and that Title I grants must supplement — not supplant — district obligations. "The funds are for Title I schools that receive Title I funding," staff said, adding that grant applications identify specific uses and are subject to federal and state review and audits.

Treasurer and finance questions shifted to investment income: one trustee noted community programs listed roughly $72,000 in interest and asked why other large cash balances did not show similar income. Staff response: district cash is placed in interest-bearing accounts and interest revenue is reported in specific fund statements; balances fluctuate through the year and banking arrangements (compensating balances) and investment constraints for public funds limit high-risk options. Staff agreed to provide a mock-up report showing balances, institution names and interest income so the board can review cash-placement and rates during budget development.

Trustees also raised facility-rental policy and PTA concerns. Board members asked whether PTAs should be treated differently under the fee schedule because "every dollar they make goes directly back to the schools." Staff described the existing classification (district/class 1; PTA/class 2; nonprofits/class 3; others/class 4), explained premium spaces that carry higher fees (auditorium, stadium) and noted costs such as SSO security and custodial overtime that drive charges. The board agreed to refer a review of the fee schedule to the policy committee for possible changes.

The board approved business and support items by roll call after the discussion and asked staff to return with a detailed, shareable report breaking down grant allocations, Title I expenditure lines and a ledger of cash balances and interest earned.