Special auditor conducts fraud audits at Pattonsburg R-2

An investigation of the Pattonsburg School District’s finances continues as reported during the regular meeting of the R-2 Board of Education held Nov. 17. Special auditor Rick Westbrook has been in the district reviewing audits conducted in previous years and conducting a fraud audit as per the insurance company’s requirements.

Hiring of the special auditor was approved during the October board meeting.

The board certified the General Obligation Bond election results as presented. The bond issue was overwhelmingly approved by Pattonsburg voters by a 314-yes, 73-no vote at the general election on Nov. 2. The financial proposal required a two-thirds majority.

The general obligation bonds will be used to acquire buildings, improvements, furnishings and equipment previously leased to the district. The re-financing involved no tax increase.

The board passed a resolution authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of $725,000 principal amount of General Obligation School Bonds (Missouri Direct Deposit Program), Series 2004, of Pattonsburg Reorganized School District No. R-2 of Daviess County; prescribing the form and details of said bonds; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said bonds as they become due; and authorizing certain other documents and actions in connection therewith.

Tom McGuire and Kevin Hart of McLiney and Company stated that the interest on the newly passed General Obligation Bond will be 4.35% fixed for 20 years as was previously quoted, which is a significant drop from 5.09%.

During his report to the board, Superintendent Robert Bruner recommended that the payroll report be listed separately from the other monthly expenditures with both reports still to be presented to the board at the regular meetings. The board approved the separation.

Mr. Bruner stated that a rough budget draft will be presented to the board at the December meeting.

The board agreed to move the December School Board meeting to the 15th from the 22nd.

The heating and cooling systems for the buildings are being looked at by the custodial staff and Mr. Bruner. Mr. Bruner will contact Farmer’s Electric about an energy evaluation.

Bills and necessary transfers were approved during the financial report. The board gave approval to obtain a short term bank loan in November if it is deemed necessary to pay outstanding bills.

During new business, the board motioned to purchase two new computers at a cost of $967 each from C&M Business of St. Joseph. The board agreed to allow a high school senior to graduate at semester end.

During old business, Superintendent Bruner updated the board on the building litigation. The board gave approval for Supt. Bruner to notify the district’s attorney about pursuing litigation.

The transportation policy was discussed and the board agreed to leave the policy as stated.

Monica Coin addressed the board about purchasing a band jacket for her daughter during the miscellaneous agenda. She was assured that a jacket would be purchased by the district.

The board heard principal’s reports. The elementary Christmas program will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14. An honor roll assembly will be held at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 16. Christmas parties and early dismissal will be at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 17. Christmas vacation will be Dec. 20-Jan. 2. School resumes after Christmas vacation on Jan. 3.

The high school Christmas Concert will be Dec. 14. Finals will be given on Dec. 15-16. Courtwarming will be Dec. 17 with early dismissal at 12:30 p.m.

November events at the elementary school reported on included: Zin the Zebra dental checks; Dianne Nespory of STARR; Steve Johnson of RPDC; Harcout Assessment SCORE; Child Safety Awareness; Dad/Grandpa breakfast; and the administration, faculty, staff and board Christmas at Old Memories café.

November events at the high school reported on included: congratulations to the high school Academic Bowl team; junior high basketball concluded; the girl’s team first place finish in the Tri-County Tournament; Jessica Schneider placed 59 out of 164 in Class I in the Cross Country State finals; junior rings arrived; Barnwarming held; the journalism class yearbook ad sales; varsity basketball season; Meet the Panther night; and winter sports pictures.

The board entered executive session to discuss legal actions, causes of action and/or litigation, and personnel.

Next meeting was set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Present at the Nov. 17 regular meeting of the Pattonsburg R-2 Board of Education were Brown, Cornett, Hartley, Lambert, Mason, Mooney and Thatcher.

During the miscellaneous agenda of the October 20 meeting of the Pattonsburg R-2 Board of Education, Darrel Teel requested the board extend the bus route to include his residence so his grandchildren can get on or off the bus at his house. The board explained the reasoning for the policy that states students are only to picked up or dropped off on designated routes. The issue was tabled until the next board meeting.

During the financial report, Board President Craig Lambert was appointed to act on behalf of the school district as temporary administrator for the MOSIPMM Account until a new administrator can be hired.

The board carried a motion to pay October bills.

It was reported during new business that the district again received a perfect score of 100 points on the Annual Performance Review. The board expressed its appreciation for the teachers and students who continue to strive toward excellence in their academic pursuits.

Mrs. Gannan and Mrs. Rucker explained the advantages to the district to continue to have students take the MAP test although the test is not a requirement and will cost the district approximately $600. The board agreed to purchase the MAP tests.

The board heard a report on the Bond Issue Hearings during unfinished business.

Reports were heard from the elementary and high school principals.

The board went into executive session. Upon returning, the board motioned to hire Robert S. Bruner as part-time interim superintendent to serve through June 30, 2005, with a salary of $55,000 (half yearly wage) not to exceed 550 hours. The board authorized legal counsel Joseph S. Gall to draft a contract of employment.

The board authorized Superintendent Bruner access to monitor, manage and/or oversee MOSIPMM account, effective Oct. 27.

A trip by the FFA to Louisville was canceled. FFA members will be allowed to attend the American Royal in Kansas City.

Present at the Oct. 20 regular meeting of the Pattonsburg R-2 Board of Education were Brown, Cornett, Hartley, Lambert, Mason, Mooney and Thatcher.