JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville City Schools received outstanding marks across all financial and compliance measures during their July board meeting, with auditor Scott Lee of Richard, Harris, Ingram and Bozeman, PC delivering what he called “a great audit report” that the district “should be proud of.”
Perfect Audit Results Highlight Fiscal Responsibility
The comprehensive audit revealed no findings in any category, marking exceptional performance for the school district. Lee reported unmodified opinions on all financial statements, zero internal control findings, and complete compliance with both federal programs and state law requirements.
“Starting at the top of this page with the financial statements, we issued an unmodified opinion, a clean opinion on the financial statements. That’s what you’re looking for at the end of an audit,” Lee explained to board members. “Overall, top to bottom, you got clean financial statement reports, no internal control findings, no findings with regard to your major programs, compliance or state law.”
Strong Financial Position Shows Growth
The district’s financial health improved significantly over the past year, with cash reserves increasing by approximately $2 million. The combined operating account balance stands at $7,297,660.84, with an additional $4,742,750.04 held in escrow for debt payments and construction projects.
Total fund balances across all funds reached $10.2 million, while the district’s net position increased by $3.5 million during the audited year. Contributing factors included additional state funding from the foundation program and $1.7 million from the education trust fund.
Debt Management Shows Fiscal Discipline
The district demonstrated strong debt management by paying off 2012 bonds completely, with 2009 capital improvement pool bonds scheduled for final payment in December. Notably, Jacksonville City Schools incurred no new debt during the fiscal year.
Finance Director Sarah Blunt received significant praise from both the auditor and board members for her team’s meticulous work. “Y’all got a solid group that works up here. Sarah is really good at what she does and her team is,” Lee commented, noting the extensive preparation required for such comprehensive reporting.
Infrastructure Projects Near Completion
Superintendent Dr. Barbera reported progress on major infrastructure improvements, including the nearly completed Schneider HVAC project at Jacksonville High School and new serving lines being installed in the cafeteria. The performing arts building construction continues on schedule.
Dr. Barbera specifically recognized the high school office staff who worked throughout the summer without air conditioning during the HVAC upgrades, calling them “the troopers of the bunch.”
Staffing Solutions Show Innovation
The district’s partnership with EDGESTAFF for substitute teacher services has yielded positive results, with higher fill rates for substitute positions and reduced administrative burden on school staff. Board member feedback confirmed the quality of training provided to substitutes through this partnership.
The district experienced eight departures this year, including three retirements at Jacksonville High School and five at Kitty Stone Elementary, along with staff members advancing to positions with other districts and the State Department of Education.
Upcoming Business
The board scheduled a special meeting for July 29 at 5:30 PM to address remaining personnel matters and conduct a work session on substitute teacher compensation. Board professional development training is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 AM.
The meeting concluded with board members expressing appreciation for the financial team’s work and the positive audit results, reflecting the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and educational excellence.
