Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the District’s financial condition for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015.

Background

The New Lebanon Central School District is located in the Town of New Lebanon, Columbia County. The District, which operates two schools with approximately 420 students, is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Education. Budgeted appropriations for the 2014-15 fiscal year totaled approximately $12.4 million.

Key Findings

• District officials have overstated liabilities and accumulated excessive funds, resulting in taxpayers paying more than necessary to sustain District operations.
• Two of the six general fund reserves did not meet statutory requirements and three were funded at levels that were generally higher than necessary.

Key Recommendations

• Provide the appropriate transparency through the budget process and develop a plan to use surplus fund balance in a manner that benefits District taxpayers.
• Review all reserves and determine if the amounts reserved are necessary, reasonable and in compliance with statutory compliance and make transfers of those amounts that are not.