Dale School Supt. Will Jones this week informed board members, “Overall, I’m feeling pretty good about our financials.” His comments came during the board’s monthly meeting.
Jones provided board members with revenue comparisons between February of this year and February of 2022.
As of February of 2023, warrants have totaled $3,501,458 and as of February of 2022 the figure was $3,421,755, which is $79,703 more than a year ago.
He said the building fund cash balance in February of this year stood at $185,517. In February of 2022, it totaled $103,531 which is up $81,986.
Jones pointed to the district’s General Fund cash balance in February 2023 which was $972,691 and in February of 2022 it totaled $781,944. That is an increase of $190,747 over the same month in 2022.
State aid received as of February this year was $1,923,059. In February of 2022 it was $1,913.291. That amount is $9,768 more than in February of a year ago.
The County Education sales tax balance was $514,015 in February of 2023 and in February of 2022 it stood at $397,047, an increase of $116,968. Jones pointed out February’s county sales tax check was $29,084.
He advised the board 2022-2023 Esser III funds are $452,834.
The board members approved using county tax money to purchase a sprayer for $10,800 which Jones said “is at cost.”
They also approved purchasing sound equipment, but Jones advised them he has only one bid so far and needs two more.
In other business, the board: Approved a joint agreement between Dale Public Schools and Gordon Cooper Tech Center to offer certain academic classes approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Approved the 20222023 audit contract and engagement letter with Bledsoe, Hewett and Gullekson, CPA’s.
In their reports, Elementary Principal Tamee Daniel reported enrollment is 343 students, noting, “We’re getting weekly phone calls from people moving into the district.”
Middle School Principal Kim Powell reported enrollment is 260 students in grades 5 through 8.
High School Principal J.D. Widner said high school enrollment is at 192 and the high school band earned all 1’s at district, qualifying it for the state competition.
The board spent a brief time in executive session discussing advertised open positions including elementary teacher, middle school teacher and high school principal.
When board members returned to open session, Jones recommended no action be taken at this time.