By Crystal Hayduk
Nicole Lechner, chief financial officer of the Chelsea School District (CSD), presented the annual financial audit findings for the fiscal year ending June 30 to the board of education at its meeting on Oct. 20. She said the auditor presented to the finance committee last week.
The audit was performed by Gabridge and Company, a Grand Rapids accounting firm.
Lechner said CSD received an unmodified opinion, the best opinion a district can receive. “This means we followed all the rules, we made sure that all of our expenses were aligned with our grant applications, and that we had no findings,” she said.
Lechner said the results also mean the district is a low risk auditee, so it will undergo similar testing next year. She thanked her financial team for their hard work throughout the year, which makes the audit successful.
From the auditor’s written report: “At the end of the current fiscal year, unassigned fund balance for the general fund was $6,393,923, or 17.2% of the general fund’s total expenditures and transfers out. Fund balance of the general fund decreased by $658,504 during the year.”
John Daniels, CSD’s varsity softball coach and co-owner/president of Chelsea Lumber Company, addressed the board in a special presentation about funding for the much-anticipated athletic fieldhouse. Superintendent Mike Kapolka said Daniels, the chair of the fundraising committee, has been the “driving force” behind the fundraising for the last four years.
Daniels thanked the board for supporting the construction of the fieldhouse, and he thanked Kapolka for excellent communication during the process.
Money to build the structure, which is intended for a variety of athletic needs for district students and the community, has been raised through donations from businesses and individuals. Daniels said that unlike asking for donations for the typical non-profits currently in existence, he received support for a dream and an idea.
With trustee Heidi Reyst absent, the board approved the donation of $1,715,000 from Daniels and the Chelsea Athletic Boosters, to be paid according to a schedule beginning on Nov. 7 and ending no later than May 31, 2028.
According to the donation agreement, CSD anticipates the total cost of the project will be about $2.5 million. The fieldhouse construction will be funded by the donation and other available CSD resources. Preparation for the structure is expected to begin in November, with construction expected to begin in the spring.
During the opportunity for public input, a district parent spoke to the board in follow-up to a previous email in which he proposed an advisory committee regarding emerging technology. He requested increased transparency about how the district handles technology governance. He has launched a website (https://chelseatech.org/) that outlines his proposal and FAQs. Interested persons can add their name in support and/or join the mailing list to stay informed.
There is a videorecording of the school board meeting here. It will be available for viewing through Nov. 17.
In other board news:
North Creek Elementary School Principal Casey Wescott introduced Lincoln Moore, a second grader who is the school’s October Student of the Month.
South Meadows Elementary School Principal Katie Spisich introduced Caelyn Sisler, a fourth grader who is the school’s October Student of the Month.
Lisa Nickel, director of special education, introduced Halle Sullins, the new social worker at Chelsea High School who began working several weeks ago. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northern Michigan University. Nickel said Sullins’ references spoke positively about her empathy, caring, and rapport with students.
Upcoming dates:
Community Wellness Day, an open house to connect families with local services and resources, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 25 at the Washington Street Education Center.
There is no school for students on Nov. 3; full-day professional development for teachers.
The next board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 in the media center at Beach Middle School, 445 Mayer Dr.
