Dashing from the Simpson Middle School Parent meeting to the Board of Education meeting, my night of Flat Rock Community Schools continued.

Flat Rock Community Schools Audit

The first item on the agenda was the presentation by the independent auditor–Rehmann Robson. It was a bit hard to follow without a copy of the audit report, but the auditor generally reported the following:

• The finances and accounting processes were in “good order”
• Fund balances across the board (consistent with all districts) were down significantly
• All fund balances continue to be positive
• A significant amount of long-term debt was able to be paid down last year (atypical to other districts and a good thing)
• Bond funds are audited yearly and are being managed appropriately
• A significant decline in fund balances were the result of MI tax tribunal protests (when people or businesses protest and have their property taxes lowered)

Public Comments

There were only three public comments last night. One was a question as to when the Title I programs would begin, which Superintendent Russ Pickell addressed. These programs will begin after MEAP testing, underway starting today. Up until this point most of the classroom instruction has been devoted to MEAP preparation.

The second and third question were related. They were two Flat Rock Community School alumnus and former band members showing support for Flat Rock Band Director Jim Engelbert. Apparently there was an incident, the details and facts were not discussion, at a recent band performance in Trenton.

Meet the Candidate Night

The Meet the Candidate Night has been changed from October 20th to October 27th at 6:00 p.m. This will be your opportunity to meet all of the candidates running for the Board of Education. We will be answering questions written by the President of the Board of Education and the District Superintendent as well as questions from the audience.

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