Audit continues to clean up R-4 accounting

Financial recovery continues to be the focus of meetings of the Willow Springs R-4 school board. Board President Roger Shanks presided over the October 12 meeting where budget, enrollment, attendance, and district activities were subject under discussion. 

 

Budget

The district is striving to decrease district-wide expenditures where possible. The district’s annual audit took place on October 5 and 6. Regarding initial information from this audit, Superintendent Dr. Jon Johnson said, “Hopefully we get some things to swing our way with audits.” Johnson brought to the board's attention recently discovered stock, the Principal Financial Investment. As a public entity, the district cannot have ownership of the stock per the Missouri Constitution. It must be cashed out, and its projected value is approximately $200,000. 

 

Additional accounting adjustments tackled interest income that had not been consistently recorded from bank statements. Payroll liabilities and other funds have been credited incorrectly as far back as 2022, which must be corrected for accuracy. This finding could potentially raise funds in the district's reserve balance. Budget reports from prior years could now vary in an upward trend.

 

In a Monday interview, Johnson told Howell County News that the mistakes and unaccounted-for funds are adding up in the district’s favor. 

 

Attendance

Each building principal brought before the board the topic of attendance. Middle School Principal Chris Cochran reported the fluctuation to have been “encouraging” within the past week. Elementary School Principal Logan Schwalm announced elementary schools' attendance reward days called “Oh, it’s your lucky day.” These days are picked randomly throughout the school year and consist of fun activities for students in attendance on those days. SPED Department Head Barbara Medina, noted that the department has more kids going out than in. Which, she says, is not too concerning for her department. 

 

In other news

Dr. Johnson brought several items to the board in the Superintendent's Report. The district purchased a new bus, solely out of pocket. Upon investigation, concerning damage was uncovered. It is Dr. Johnson’s belief that the bus will have to be returned and the district refunded. A bus accident recently took place which resulted in no injuries, but the bus is currently non-drivable. Insurance should take care of damages.

 

The CTE north building's chiller system and piping are in the process of being fixed; the estimated cost is $9,000. The district has a lease with the City of Willow Springs regarding the School Resource Officer’s car. The agreement includes the district paying $1.00 yearly, plus insurance and maintenance, to have the police markings. The elementary school's roofing is currently being updated. Job descriptions are in development for staff district wide. These descriptions will help determine the non-exempt versus exempt employee positions. 

 

Led by Mrs. Waddle and Mrs. Lewis, the middle school is starting a Willow Springs History and Service Club. This club will work in correlation with the Willow Springs Historical Society. Club members will primarily participate in historical projects and community service. 

 

High school principal Dustin. Forrest reported on the recent Homecoming week. He reflected that, “the students really bought it.” Throughout the week, students participated in fun events and dress-up days to show off their school spirit. The week was completed with the Homecoming Game and then the dance.

 

Amanda Mendez contributed to this report.