Alba-Golden ISD received an unmodified opinion on the annual financial report from Rutherford, Taylor and Company, Public Accountants, at Monday’s board meeting. The report noted that the district maintained a sound fund balance, and the auditors lauded the district for the professional nature of the staff. 

One procedural deficiency was documented, of inadequate timeliness of account reconciliation. The auditors also commented that procedural steps have already been taken to address that single finding. 

As of Aug. 31, 2023 the district’s total combined net position was $8.9 million. The general operating fund experienced a growth of $1.1 million and ended the reporting period at $7.4 million. Revenues exceeded expenses over the reporting year by just over $1 million.  No new debt was incurred during the year. 

The Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances for the year ending Aug. 31, 2023 will be forthcoming in the Wood County Monitor. 

Tax attorney Richard Brand, Jr. of Tyler presented the board with a delinquent tax collection report. Brand described the tax rolls as very solid, and detailed his efforts to recover the $104, 000 of delinquent taxes. Approximately 27% of that is unrecoverable due to legal deferments, Brand advised. Actions being taken to recover the balance include two tax warrants, two tax judgments, 13 pending law suits and 11 property sales. 

Deborah Perry informed the board that the Education Foundation has raised $103,895 since its inception this fall. The foundation most recently distributed $100 per teacher as a Christmas bonus. Teachers also received approximately $15,000 in grants for classroom projects this semester.

Before the discussion of financial matters, the distance learning classroom was filled to capacity as the board publicly recognized fall semester extracurricular participants. In addition to the students of the month Melody Venezuela, Collin Speck and Olivia Morrison, members of the FFA Chapter Conducting team and Greenhorn teams were recognized, as were all elementary school UIL academic competitors. 

Athletic director Drew Webster introduced the district championship cross country team as well as all the football and volleyball players who earned district-wide superlatives. 

Actions taken by the board included formal approval of the financial audit report, approval of the Texas Association of School Board policy update 122 (which included policies on the use of Epipens and Narcan for allergic emergencies and opioid overdoses, respectively), and approval of employment contracts as discussed in executive session.

Trustee Kristopher Quintana was the sole absentee. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.