West Bath board reviews year‑end finances, accepts retirements and authorizes fund transfers

The West Bath School Board reviewed year‑end fiscal numbers, accepted personnel changes and authorized the superintendent to transfer funds within the district’s 2023–24 budget during its June 18 meeting.

A staff member reported that 3.8% of the year remained and 4.65% of the budget remained, leaving a difference of about $35,000. The presenter said substitute costs were roughly $155,000 higher than typical and reimbursements were $10,000–$12,000 above normal, contributing to the shortfall.

"It looks like we're going to be in closing in good shape," the staff member said while noting the district would still run one more payroll and a small accounts‑payable run before the fiscal year closed.

The board accepted the retirement of a long‑time employee whose letter (in the meeting packet) states she will retire Aug. 31, 2024, after 37 years in education, 35 of them with the district. The transcript includes the retiree's letter text expressing gratitude for her years at West Bath.

The board also accepted the resignation of Christina Barnett, a special‑education educator who is leaving for a teaching position in another district.

On a related motion, the board granted the superintendent authority to transfer funds within the 2023–24 budget to move excess funds between cost centers as needed in coordination with auditors; the board approved the motion in open session.

The board noted there will be no July meeting and that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2024. The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.