Story and Photo by Crystal Hayduk
Nathan Baldermann of Rehmann Robson told the Chelsea School District Board of Education of the results of his 2013-14 financial audit at the school board meeting on Oct. 13.
“Teresa Zigman was well prepared, and the district is receiving a ‘clean’ opinion, also known as unmodified, which is what you’re looking for,” he said.
Baldermann also indicated that the district’s books will carry a “shock factor” next year due to a change in the GASB (Government Accounting Standards Board) that will require school districts to show liability related to previously retired employees. In Chelsea, that amount will be approximately $41 million.
In a statement from Zigman, executive director of business and operations, the district used $291,000 of fund equity over the last year. The current fund equity balance is $4.6 million.
During public comment, special education teacher Tara Thorburn addressed the board about the importance of fair wages and quality health care. Thorburn has worked for the district for 18 years, and is a mother of three children who attend Chelsea schools. “I am working without a contract,” Thorburn said.
Thorburn said that she has to “… perform duties including medical procedures, monitor seizure stimuli and conditions, and respond when needed, as well as assist students when they are struggling so they will not hurt themselves or others.”
Thorburn went on to say that teachers give of themselves, not only to the curriculum, but to the emotional, social, and technological needs of the students. “It is expected that we embrace changes to teaching methods and still push beyond an average expectation as the Chelsea district is recognized for its successes,” she said.
Thorburn challenged the board to “… give its best fair offer to assist in resolving our contract … I believe that fair wages and quality health care will retain and recruit teachers of high standards to the Chelsea School District.”
Thorburn’s remarks were applauded by several dozen teachers in attendance at the meeting.
Superintendent of Schools Andy Ingall reported that the elementary school Bulldog Jog, held on Oct. 10, raised over $17,000 for the PTO. He thanked the Chelsea Senior Center for providing snacks for the event.
Upcoming events:
Oct. 17 – No school for students.
Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. – board meeting at Chelsea High School, 740 North Freer Road.
Hi Lisa,
Quite interesting that the “new auditor” for the firms Chelsea SAchool district has hired did not state the bottom line, What is Chelsea’s Fund Equity? I have heard the following:
In June Fund Equity was reported to be 18.3%
in the audit, Fund Equity was reported to be 19.1%
Interesting, no mention of Fund Equity amount nor of the reported student fall count to the State of MI = the count occurred last week. Supt Ingall has told the School Board this projected number for the past several board meetings. ??? lack of information due to 55+ teachers being present???