WESTFIELD - Business manager/district clerk Alan Holbrook tried to make understanding financial matters easier for the board of education.
Holbrook created documents he called a "cheat sheet" or an overview of financial information. He reviewed that with the board, explaining how the code numbers are used to identify different accounts. He also explained while at the last meeting the board heard from an external auditor, there are other audits the district does.
One is an internal audit, which includes risk assessment and an audit of a system that the audit committee chooses. In Westfield, there is also a claims auditor who looks at the payments that the district makes.
Holbrook told the board, "If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. If you want to come in so I can go over this with you, I can do that. Anyone who wants information should call. This is everyone's budget and should be open, transparent, and understandable."
Holbrook had also prepared information for the board concerning the reserve funds the district used or continues to use. Information includes how funds were established, maintained and (if applicable) closed out. He noted that Westfield is starting to "burn" its reserves and that will lead to fiscal concerns in the future. He told the board that the state has changed its outlook on reserves and feels districts should use them. He also explained some reserves can only be used for specific items.
Michelle Helms, a staff development specialist at Erie 2 BOCES, also had a presentation for the board. She explained to the board about local assessments and how these fit into the APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review). The local portion of the assessment accounts for 20 percent of the entire assessment.
"Assessments have to be valid, reliable, and rigorous," she said. She explained that depending on the type of teacher, the methods of review will be different.
Another acronym that was introduced was SLO meaning student learning objective. These can be developed for the local assessments by individual teachers or by groups or teams. Another method of local assessment is a third party assessment.
Superintendent David Davison said, "In the end when we work through this (APPR) it will be a powerful tool for evaluation."
Under new business, the board accepted the tax collector's report for 2012-13. They also approved a number of personnel items:
Dana Williams was appointed a substitute groundskeeper for 2012-13 school year.
Nolan Swanson was approved as a volunteer assistant boys' basketball coach.
An unpaid leave of absence from Dec. 17 through Feb. 8 was approved for Karen Swank, daily substitute teacher.
Colleen Myers was appointed a substitute cafeteria helper for the 2012-13 school year effective Nov. 27.
Laurie Stottele was approved as a substitute clerical worker, teaching assistant and teacher's aid for the 2012-13 school year effective Nov. 27.
Brenda Paternosh received a probationary appointment as custodian effective Dec. 3.
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