NEWBERRY — The Newberry County School Board approved the second reading of the 2018-19 budget, but prior to that approval, they approved a continuing resolution for the operating budget.

“Board policy DB provides that, ‘in case that budget does not receive approval by June 30, the board will adopt a continuing resolution based on last year’s operating budget until the budget can be approved,’” said Susan Dowd, chief financial officer of the School District.

The State of South Carolina has initiated a continuing resolution, originated by the S.C. House of Representatives in the event the state has not completed an adopted budget by June 30. In the event the state’s budget is not approved by the beginning of the new fiscal year, which is July 1, there will be disruption and uncertainty concerning the effect of the fiscal year 2019 budget.

“Now therefore, be it resolved: in the event the State of South Carolina does not vote or give final approval of the State Budget and respective education funding lines from the state budget and respective new guidelines of those funds by the end of the day on June 30, 2018, the Board directs that the fiscal year 2018 Board budget, in current form, shall continue to govern and shall provide the legal authority for the receipt and expenditure of funds for the operations of the District, until the Board finds that the Board’s fiscal year 2019 budget shall go into effect,” Dowd said.

If the State completes final approval of the budget on or before June 30, this resolution shall be moot and of no effect.

The resolution was approved after Boardmember Ike Bledsoe made a motion and Boardmember Clyde Hill seconded.

The Board then approved the second reading of the 2018-19 budget after Hill made a motion and Bledsoe seconded. The budget has total expenditures at $56,033,270 and total revenue at $56,030,401 for a negative difference of $2,869.

The Board approved the budget with the caveat that if there is a drastic difference from what the State House does (at least $100,000 difference) they will meet on July 9 to revisit the budget.

In other business, the Office of Finance was recognized for winning the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award, which is the highest recognition of school district financial operations offered by ASBO, is only conferred to school systems that have met, or exceeded, the standards for the program.

“It confirms the school business office’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. This validates the credibility of our school system’s operations, measuring the integrity and technical competence of our business staff. The District has received this award for 20 consecutive years,” said Pam Arrington, chief human resources officer for the District.

The Finance Office also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award is presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

“The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story. This certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting,” Arrington said.

Little Mountain Elementary was also recognized for being certified and named as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education.

Other business

• The Board approved second reading for changes to professional staff and support staff leaves and absences, the change is in the reimbursement of unused sick leave over 90 days at the end of the fiscal year from $15 per day to $50 per day.

Little Mountain Elementary was also recognized for being certified and named as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education. Pictured are some of the students, faculty and staff of Little Mountain Elementary.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_DSC_0305.jpgLittle Mountain Elementary was also recognized for being certified and named as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education. Pictured are some of the students, faculty and staff of Little Mountain Elementary. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Susan Dowd (center) was recognized for multiple awards the Office of Finance has recently received. She is pictured with Boardmember Jessie Reeder and Superintendent Jim Suber.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_DSC_0301.jpgSusan Dowd (center) was recognized for multiple awards the Office of Finance has recently received. She is pictured with Boardmember Jessie Reeder and Superintendent Jim Suber. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.