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Preston BOE tightens budget controls as residents press for answers about funds and leadership
Summary
After a preliminary financial review, the Board said any new or non-budgeted item over $10,000 must be brought to the Board for approval and that line-item transfers require notification; public commenters raised questions about a non-lapsing account (~$105,000) and called for answers and leadership changes.
The Preston Board of Education said on Jan. 12 it will require Board approval for any new or non-budgeted spending above $10,000 and will tighten line-item budget controls after a preliminary financial presentation, Board Chair Courtney Ennis said.
With Finance staff absent, Superintendent Dr. Roy Seitsinger presented an initial capital and financial report. Ennis told the meeting the Board will not change Policy 3160 (Approval/Authorization) and that “any new or non-budgeted item over 10K” must come to the Board for approval; she said the Board now requires specific line-item management and that money will not be moved between major categories without Board approval.
During old-business follow-up, staff clarified that the district’s non-lapsing account currently holds about $105,000 and that auditors have not yet finalized 2025 figures but expect roughly $92,000 to be added to the fund. The audit remains incomplete, and district officials said they will continue to manage changes and address questions at the BOE Finance Committee meeting.
Several public commenters used the public-comment period to press the Board for more information. Johanna Thibdeau, a parent, asked that all OLSAT scores be sent to parents and whether substitute usage reflects illness or vacant positions; staff said both factors contribute. Kayla Thompson of the PVMS PTO said afternoon pickup is dangerously crowded at PVMS and urged schedule/space changes. Parke Spicer urged the Board to explain what happened to last year’s funds and asked for Dr. Seitsinger’s resignation, requesting answers within a month. Andy Depta said the Strategic Plan presented at the meeting differed from the version posted online and asked whether previously listed goals had been met. Jill Keith echoed questions about financial transparency and asked that Heather Helwig’s appointment be reviewed; Chair Ennis clarified that the interviews had been public. Bill Holmes called the meeting a waste of time.
The Board adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
