Audit Outcome ‘Very Positive’ For Dennis Township Schools

DENNISVILLE –– Members of the Dennis Township Board of Education got an early Christmas present this year –– they passed their 2006-07 audit with flying colors.
Auditor Leon Costello, of the CPA firm Ford, Scott, Seidenburg & Kennedy, told the board at its Dec. 5 meeting that the results of the audit were “very positive.”
Audits are mandated by the state to ensure school boards and districts are acting fiscally responsible and complying with Department of Education bookkeeping rules, Costello told the Herald.
“These results show that Dennis Township’s schools are doing just that,” he said.
He explained that the district’s increased fund balance, or surplus, was a major factor in making the audit successful.
The district’s fund balance going into this year was $939,000, which was up around $280,000 over last year’s surplus of $660,000.
Costello said fund balances could be used to control property tax increases or to fund emergent matters, such as unexpected building repairs.
The auditor reported two negative findings in the audit that he described as minor accounting discrepancies.
Costello credits Business Administrator Frank Rizzo with the district’s superlative bookkeeping practices.
“Since Frank has come onboard, their accounting system controls have improved greatly,” Costello said.
Board President John Robertson said he and the other board members were happy with the audit findings but not surprised.
Robertson agreed with Costello’s assessment of Rizzo.
“It’s amazing how far we’ve come since Frank’s been here,” Robertson said. “He’s helped keep costs down through shared services and the like, but at the same time maintaining one of the best school districts for our children.”
Roberson also noted recent improvements made in the schools such as smart boards and computer rooms without substantial increases in taxes.
Passing last year’s budget, for the first time in several years, was also an indication that the school has been acting fiscally responsible.
“It shows the community has confidence in its school officials,” Costello said. “Voters recognize that they’re doing a good job.”
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com