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.
Local News
Schools budget in better shape now
Auditor credits Witherspoon with turnaround; third makeup day to be May 31
- Local News
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Tractor pull again a success
PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.
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Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally
Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town. -
Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers
At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.
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May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4
Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.
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Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities
Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs. -
Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:
Community Swimming Pool
Poplar Street
A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
Tennis Courts -
Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too
It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.
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AIB group Submits application
With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.
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Anew creation working to improve lives of youth
Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community.
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Muhammad satisfied with term on council
Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection, he's ready to ride off in the sunset.
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