No surprises in audit of finances of Decorah School Board

DECORAH — The Decorah Community School Board convened for its regular meeting at the Central Administration Office on Monday, February 12, 2024, discussing various matters including the school calendar, personnel changes, and financial reports. President Cindy Goodner presided over the meeting with Directors Ron Fadness, Brian Petersburg, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander in attendance. Director Petersburg participated remotely via Zoom. The meeting commenced with two public hearings to receive input on the 2024-2025 type of school calendar and the academic calendar, respectively. During the first public hearing no comments were received regarding the 2024-2025 type of school calendar. Similarly, in the second public hearing, comments were limited to suggestions such as starting the school year on a Friday, incorporating the calendar into Google Calendar, and optimizing the use of colors. Moving to old business, Director Fadness led the discussion by presenting a motion to approve various agenda items, including the second reading of code #401.5 regarding employee records. The motion passed unanimously. In new business, the board addressed several motions, including approving the 2022-2023 audit report, confirming the school calendar for 2024-2025, and approving the Decorah CSD Special Education Service Delivery Plan for 2024. The board also discussed and approved various personnel changes, including new hires, resignations, and transfers. A notable highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Decorah CSD 2022-2023 audit report by Neil Schraeder of Hacker, Nelson & Co., P.C. The district received a clean opinion on its financial statements, with Schraeder emphasizing minor findings that were not deemed serious. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the school's participation in the Instructional Support Program, the filling of an open IT position, and the approval of architectural services for a middle school roof project. The meeting concluded with updates on open enrollment changes and the presentation of monthly financial reports for January 2024 by Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., where the Instructional Support Levy public hearing will take place.