Annual Financial Audit: Board Meeting Nov. 8, 2011 Agenda

Two items of note for the board meeting on Tuesday: 1) CAFR report--annual audit/financial report and 2) school closings.  Also, don't forget to vote on Tuesday whether you are for or against the bond.

Award-Winning CAFR (Finanical Report)
Don't tune out yet, just because it has to do with finances.  Every year, the district is required to have an independent audit.  The auditors found no concerns with the books or our compliance with Federal and State requirements for certain monies that come with strings and hoops.  Evidently, we are very good at jumping as high as necessary.  An interesting point was emphasized (which I've heard from other auditor-types).  That is the audit takes the policies of the district and uses them to make sure the proper procedures are being followed.  For example, if the district's policy is to have a principal sign off on a purchase for a $7000 video camera, the audit will make sure that the video camera does exist, was properly signed for and receipted, and placed on the books accurately, for example, as instructional use equipement.  What an audit doesn't do is decide whether or not the item should have been purchased in the first place. 

The CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) report is 120+ pages long and is quite involved for those without an auditing background.  It is the required annual report that documents all the finances for the district from July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011.  I have some background with accounting and finance, having had to deal with these in my business.  However, I received the report last Tuesday, and have successfully gone through only half of it so far.  I would GREATLY appreciate any and all accountant/auditor types who are interested in giving me some pointers on what items to focus on.  You can find the report here.  ASD's CAFR report has won awards for 28+ years. 

School Boundary Restrictions 2012-13 School Year
Another item on the agenda has to do with restricting some schools to out-of-area students.  The board can decide to restrict schools to just a specific geographic area.  In Utah, most schools are 'open', meaning that if you want to drive your kid there and register them, they can attend.  Each local school board has the option of restricting enrollment at a given school for a few specific reasons.

The most common reason is enrollment.  For example, Lone Peak's enrollment is at 2171.  The suggestion to close the school is a result of not having enough teachers, rooms, etc for additional students.  In this instance, those who were granted exceptions, e.g. North of Canyon Road in Cedar Hills, will need to apply for an out-of-area exception by March, 2012 (I think).  The next most common reason has to do with program protection.  As I understand it, the concern is if a School A is open, those in a neighboring School B may come to School A, leaving School B without enough students for certain programs.  This is the case with Lakeridge Jr. High and Orem Jr. High.  I would welcome your feedback on these issues, especially from those in the affected areas.  For a list of proposed schools, please go here.  All other schools in the district (not on the closed list) are open, and you can go there and register, if you so choose. 

Board Meeting Agenda
STUDY SESSION


4:00 P.M.

The purpose of the study session will be to review the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and to receive an update regarding the focus and direction of language immersion and gifted programs, East Shore High School and alternative education programs.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REVERENCE

RECOGNITIONS

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

MINUTES

CLAIMS FOR OCTOBER
ROUTINE BUSINESS

1. Budget Report
2. Personnel Reports

3. Alpine Foundation Report

4. Student Releases - KB, MC, MGC, CD, KD

JMD, JD, JLD, ED, BE, EG, KH, CJ, DJ, KK

NL, RO, JR, TS, JS, RT, VV, MW, BW

5. Student Expulsions - DB, AB, CF
6. Career and Technical Education (CTE) National Competition


ACTION ITEMS
1. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and External Audit

2. Schools Closed to Out-of-area Attendance for the 2012-2013 School Year

3. Board Meeting Schedule for 2012

DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Policy No. 5550 – Head Injuries
2. Policy No. 5320 – Service Animals

REPORT

1. Membership Report

BOARD MEMBERS’ AND SUPERINTENDENT’S INFORMATION ITEMS

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT