Marion BOE approves transfer funds
Kansas boards of education are being advised to take a technical violation of the law due to delays in state payments, Marion-Florence USD 408 board members learned June 26 at a special meeting to close the fiscal year.
In a memo sent June 21, officials with the Kansas Department of Education advised boards that the second half of the June 15 general state aid payment would probably not transfer as scheduled on June 28.
Instead, it is due to arrive this week, probably by today, Wednesday. The district is expecting about $176,484.
"When this payment is received, you should record it as a June 2002, receipt," the memo said. "Your auditor will likely cite the school district for a violation in the general fund for 2001-02."
The district has the money to cover its bills.
"We have cash in the bank, but we do not have the cash in the right fund," said Martin Tice, district business manager.
Since every other district in the state is expected to be in the same situation, the violation isn't expected to be a major issue, officials said.
Transfers
Cash recorded in some line items was approved for transfer to others.
Other transfers are due to state law. Districts can hold money only in certain funds. State aid is withheld by an amount equal to that in the general fund.
The board approved transferring a total of $90,939 from the general fund. The largest amount, $50,000 went to a contingency reserve. This fund, which can hold up to four percent of the general fund budget, can be used for emergencies as defined by the board.
Usually the district transfers available funds into capital outlay, but since the district doesn't currently have a capital outlay mill levy, the contingency reserve fund was used. The district shifted its four-mill capital outlay levy to the general fund, where it would generate more state aid.
Other transfers included $5,000 to food service, about $27,677 to special education, and $6,000 to summer school.
In other reports:
Haley Abbott was released from her commitment. The board had voted to offer her a teaching contract. The position has been filled.
Appointed were Myrta Billings as a senior class sponsor and Roger Schwab as Key Club sponsor.
The board agreed to provide information to establish a self-insured health insurance pool through a consortium of school districts.
Checks totaling $41,102 were approved to pay bills.
Board members Rex Savage, Roger Hannaford III, Bruce Skiles, and Gene Bowers were present. Susan Robson, Doug Sharp, and Keith Collett had other commitments and were unable to attend.
