External audit returns clean opinion; board told general fund balance is $15.3M

The board heard a presentation from the district’s independent auditor on the fiscal year close, including fund balances and budget variances, and discussed a proposed opt‑out of Pennsylvania’s Act One accelerated budget process for 2025–26.

Auditor Markham told the board the audit draft carries an unmodified (clean) opinion and that the audit found no reportable internal control deficiencies or instances of fraud, waste or abuse. "You should have all had a copy of the audit — this is a final draft... I do not expect any changes to the actual numbers," he said.

The auditor highlighted an $886,000 positive budget variance for the year and reported a $15.3 million general fund balance at year end. The capital projects fund began the year with roughly $52 million, incurred about $13 million in building project expenses and ended the year with approximately $42 million available for ongoing projects, the presentation said.

Separately, administrators recommended the board opt out of the Act One accelerated tax‑index process for the 2025–26 budget year, citing the district’s reluctance to accept a 4% index increase and a desire to accept Ready‑to‑Learn block grant funds that could limit referendum exceptions. The superintendent said the opt‑out request has been made in prior years and that accepting certain state funds can limit the district’s referendum options.

No formal board action on the opt‑out was recorded in the excerpt; staff indicated the matter would be brought forward for consideration on the upcoming agenda.

The audit will be finalized after internal quality control and then filed with the bond agent and single‑audit clearinghouse as required.