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Student activities audit accepted; committee orders review of booster-club and class-account practices after $18,000 anomaly
Summary
The committee accepted the FY22 student activities audit, which noted generally good practices but flagged documentation weaknesses and inactive account disposition. Members raised concern about a graduating class account reportedly holding about $18,000 and voted to task administration with reviewing booster-club finances and compliance.
The Berkshire Hills school committee accepted the FY22 Student Activities audit and directed administration to follow up on several findings, including documentation of ticketing, timely turnover of funds, and disposition of inactive accounts.
The audit presenter said most findings were favorable but that the district should stamp turn-in times on deposits and ensure pre-numbered tickets for events where feasible. The committee voted to accept the audit report and to approve the list of student activity accounts currently on file.
During discussion, members flagged a graduating class account tied to the Class of 2024 that appeared to contain approximately $18,000. Committee members described being surprised by that balance and asked administration to verify whether deposits and expenses were recorded correctly and to report back. "I'm shocked that there's $18,000 there," one member said.
The meeting also included an extended debate about booster-club oversight. Several members expressed concern about inconsistent fundraising practices, the potential for inequity across sports and activities, and the occasional use of outside funds to pay staff. The committee authorized the superintendent and finance staff to review booster/athletic co-curricular financial processes and compliance with district policy and to return with recommendations.
The committee approved a motion to authorize an administrative review of booster-club finances and compliance.
