Goodrich- By a 6-0 vote on Monday night the school board of trustees accepted an audit from Lewis & Knopf for the 2013-14 fiscal year ending June 30. Board President David Cramer was absent.
The district ended the fiscal year with a fund balance of about 7.33 percent or $1,336,529, using $124,791 to balance the budget. The revenues for the district were $18,108,342 with $18,233,133 in expenses.
In comparison the district ended the 2012-2013 audit ended with $1,461,320 in fund balance? about 8.36 percent’a decline of $597,295 in reserves from the 2011-12 fiscal year. The 2010-11 fiscal year ended with a fund balance of about 15.5 percent or $2,776,469.
An additional 13 students were added during the fiscal year ending with an enrollment of 2,109. Each student received a foundation allowance of $7,026 from the state and thedistrict is expected to receive an increase of $111 per student for the 2014-15 school year.
About 61 percent of the budget was attributed to salaries and benefits with about 10 percent in services. The district’s expenditures were $131,000 under budget.
‘The district was left in very good shape,? said Michelle Imbrunone, district superintendent who started July 1, replacing Scott Bogner who retired after two years in the district. ‘The board has been conservative and downsized to keep the budget under control. Our maintenance on the buildings will continue to be a focus in the coming year.?
The board also voted 6-0 to examine the replacement of six school buses on its fleet of 15.
‘Our dirt roads continue to cause damage to our buses,? added Imbrunone. ‘The technology on the newer buses requires too many parts to keep on hand for repairs.?
The district will consider leasing from Holland, Michigan-based Holland Bus Company. A 3-year, six bus lease will be $70,463; however, the board will continue to explore other options.
Ken Haverkate, sales manager of the Holland Bus Company, said changes in diesel emissions requirements since 2004 have required several changes in the industry.
‘Cleaner burning and more efficient diesels coupled with improved fuel economy have changed the buses over the past decade,? said Haverkate. ‘The rough roads are pretty much a factor all school districts have to deal with when buying buses. Both dirt road and even city driving deal with potholes. School districts have been using the air ride option’it’s a little more costly, but the buses are better equipped for the rough roads.?