Schools budget in better shape now

Auditor credits Witherspoon with turnaround; third makeup day to be May 31

KIMBERLY BELLAMY

Not only did Auditor Gerrelene Walker look at how the Edgecombe County Board of Education managed their money during 2008-09 school year, but illustrated the difference in their financial situation three years ago and now.

Walker credited outgoing Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon, who has been with Edgecombe County Public Schools for 3 1/2 years, for the turnaround in the board’s budgeting. Witherspoon has accepted a superintendent position with Birmingham City Schools.

“He has shown more interest in the finance department than any superintendent I’ve worked with. He understands it. The Board of Education is in much better shape than when Dr. Witherspoon inherited it,” Walker said.

“Due to the monitoring of the finance department, of the individual schools, and the clubs, we had no findings or problems within this system.”

In the General Fund category, revenues exceeded expenditures, which increased the fund balance to $243,150. This means the board didn’t spend over their amount of their income. Walker reported the increase was due to management in energy saving.

The total fund balance as of June 30, 2009 was $2,252,690, and $1,544, 750 is available for appropriation.

In the Capital Outlay category, the fund balance increased by $558,842, totaling $2,760,591.

The Child Nutrition Fund had a reduction in food sales, but an increase in spending in comparison to the prior year, resulting in a net loss of $3,764. The United States Department of Agriculture increased their reimbursement, and Child Nutrition’s earning as of June 30, 2009 totaled $361,083.

The state and federal funding allotted to the school district was balanced in revenue and expenditures from 2007-2009.

In 2007, spending outweighed income in the general fund, capital outlay and food service areas. Since then, the spending in each area has fell below or equal to the amount revenue allotted.

“You (Witherspoon) have done well, as well as the finance office (Laurie Leary) with the funds being cut by both the state and federal government,” Walker said.

“I have great trust that you as board members will continue to be strong.”

Board Vice Chairwoman Ann Kent echoed Walker in commending Witherspoon for helping them practice better management of their money.

“You did come to us in a crisis financially, and you have certainly pulled us over the crisis. Now I hope we have learned enough that we’ll be better stewards of taxpayers’ money, and be better question askers,” she said.

In other news:

• Witherspoon submitted his letter of resignation to the board

• The board was presented with information by Faye Smith, program director of the annual College Round-Up, which will be in Keihin Auditorium of Edgecombe Community College on March 13, asked for more board support as well as support from the overall school system

• Director of Personnel Support Programs Karen Dameron reported that all teachers have been trained under the new teacher evaluation system

• Seven field trip request were approved

• The third makeup day as a result of snow last week was designated as May 31

In the event school is closed in the future due to inclement weather, the board approved that a makeup day can be designated on a Saturday, a vacation day of spring break or requesting the schedule be extended past the June 10 closing day by the State Board of Education

• The board approved the school calendars for the 2010-11 school year.

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