The Hammonton Gazette 12/18/19 Edition | Page 5

Hammonton Board of Education audit had no findings Page 4 • Wednesday, December 18, 2019 • The Hammonton Gazette SCHOOL, from Page 1 Nightlinger, Colavita and Volpa, P.A., gave a presentation on the 2018-2019 district audit. “Your audit has three phases. The financial phase; that has to do with balancing and refund saving, the dollars and cents, basically. And then you have the compliance phase; you have to follow the rules of the federal government, the state of New Jersey and local ordinances. Thirdly, you have what is called internal control; that is the body of the sequence of policies you have to ensure you run the district in a businesslike manner,” Colavita said. He went on to commend the district business office for its “experienced, well supervised staff,” and noted the small size of the actual audit report is a positive thing because there were no findings. Colavita then opened the floor for any audit-related questions the board members might have. As there were no questions, he noted that he would be available to answer questions if any should arise at a later date. District Business Administrator Barbara Prettyman noted that according to the audit, the district’s ending balance is similar to last year’s, which she said is a good thing because the district was able to replenish funds by not spending its entire budget. She also noted a sum of money that the state of N.J. owes the district. “I think it’s 1.7 million dollars. That’s money that we’re supposed to recognize as revenue, but the state of New Jersey does not recognize it as an expenditure, and this has nothing to do with the 12 million dollars of underfunding … Someday the state is going to have to deal with it. Hopefully it’s not going to be that they say we’re not getting it,” Prettyman said. Mento then mentioned that the audit synopsis and corrective action plan are available for the public, as required by NJSA 18A:23-4. The meeting then moved on to committee reports. Board member Barbara Berenato commended new student crossing signage by Hammonton Middle School (HMS), allowing students to cross the street safely to and from school. “Thank you, [the signage] is working so well. People are actually stopping, and I am just so happy,” Berenato said. In community relations, board member Ray Scipione congratulated Coach Jim Raso and the Hammonton High School football team on making it to the Central Jersey Group 4 championship game. He also mentioned the recent Hammonton High School (HHS) choice school lottery. “The choice lottery was held December 10. Approximately 120 applications were submitted for 38 available seats. We will be sending acceptance letters prior to the holiday break. Thank you to all the families that have expressed interest in our district,” Scipione said. He also mentioned the HHS marching band’s recent performances, including in Hammonton’s Christmas Parade; holiday concerts at HHS and HMS, and holiday performances at Warren E. Sooy Jr. Elementary School (Sooy). Scipione reminded parents that December 20 will be a full session day of school. Board member Erica Polito reported that the tree committee did not meet but they are still See BOARD, Page 8 SOLD! 800 S. White Horse Pike (Crowley Center), P.O. Box 1119 • Hammonton • 561-0505 • [email protected] • www.CrowleyCarr.com Congratulations LINDSEY GRAMS & KEVIN BAXTER on the purchase of your home! Thank you for putting your trust in Crowley & Carr. “The Best Place in Town to Find the Best Place in Town.” With nearly 30 years in business, who better to guide you on all your Real Estate needs than the CROWLEY & CARR REAL ESTATE TEAM!